Editing Volume Two: The Adask War Wizard (section)

===<big>Book Four: Unexpectedly a Leader in Training</big>===
[[File:Relmopator's_Avatar_Form.jpg]]

====<big>Rasak and Benedict's Personal Military Course</big>====

*'''Michael James Watson'''
Arriving at the trump location Realmer sees many other people arriving through a similar trump. People looking around uncertain, asking each other names, places, time, etc. The land is darkish, like twilight toward evening. Hills in the near range and mountains beyond it. Looking around he sees Carston who sees him at the same time and starts walking toward him. 
"Sir, Thank you for the recommendation. I know Julian recommended me to here but it was yours that made them decide on it. King Julian has hired me to help him prepare their army. Strange for a warrior realm how disorganized they are. I understand other CHAD members will be coming as well."
From behind you hear, "Good gods, are you following me?"
Looking you see Fortunadas approaching with a wide smile. 
"I just saw one of the funniest things I ever saw. Someone gave Alexandir Kos Korag an order to disarm and when he tried to spike the guy, the guy spun under his blow and hit Alex like a hammer to the gonads. I always knew he depended on magic too much."

*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Carston, good to see you here. I had heard you were working for Julian, from Tesa; I think the position suits you better than following me around. But should you tire of yelling at troops, feel free to contact me at any time."
"Fort, it is you who is following me, for if I had not decided to attend..." he looks at all the CHAD troops, then back to Fort "then none of you would be here." Realmer looks serious for a moment, then smiles and chuckles.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa sounds nervous, realizing she may have made a mistake coming here. “That's one of the biggest men I've ever seen before..."
Looking that way Fort says, "Oh my colorful lovely, that's the God of War his own precious self, Alexandir Kos Korag, King of Tosa, god emperor of the biggest ego that ever walked on three feet. Keep your distance. Now, I am a far less crazy mass murderer then good king Alex and I'm a much warmer companion to be sure. But in case it comes up, asking Alex if he was really a Blacksmith's son makes him testy. As for you, Realmer, I have no idea what you mean. We had Random's OK to come here a week ago. I had to translate from Thari to Crazy violent arrogance tongue' that Mr. Big Shoulders couldn't bring his personal cohort of titans..."
A man that looks quite like Benedict comes up and blows a whistle. With him attendants tart walking among the crowd, giving each a ring, telling them not to try it on.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer clears his mind of all else and prepares himself for what is to come. He pays attention to the man who looks like Benedict and follows any order given without question. Realmer has been around military types before and worked with an army once back in his Adventuring Days so he has some idea of what to do and how to act.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The man stand on a tree stump. "I am Banidoc. I am the son of Benedict of Amber. I will lead you in the first 3 years of your training. In your hand is the ring of compulsion. As you see I am putting mine on. It is the master ring. Once you put the ring on you will do anything I say, even to the loss of your life. But more importantly you will do as I do. If I raise and arm you will. If I kick you will. In this world you do not need to eat. Nor drink, nor piss. The air you breath is filled with nutrients enough to sustain you very well. What we will do for the next 3 years, 25 hours a day, 370 days a year is exercise. Run, jump, and you will do so like marionettes. Your mind will be numbed to not focus on anything but the task. You will however fell the muscle pain. as your body learns to accept the punishment."  He puts the ring on.  "All of you are soldiers, warriors of some kind to be invited here. All of you have killed. Some of you have been killed. That...will come later. Now we run. If you agree to these terms put the ring on. If you have changed your mind the bell is over there. Ring it, drop the ring, and you will be transported to whatever place you came here from. You have been warned."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Without hesitation, Realmer puts the ring on. He knows his life is not his own now, much like before with The Entity. And just like that experience, he knows he will emerge the other side stronger and better. He is ready. He runs when Banidoc runs. And so begins another life in Hell for Relmopator, son of Satura & Hagalta, Grandson of Verna & Dworkin.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa, "oh damn... the Snikura seems easy by comparison..."  
Fort, "well my colorful lovely, are you Snikura as well? I took the art in my youth, before the folly of such things was made clear. I was a warrior, a priest, a wizard and a follower of Conf in those days. ah to be young. Its a pity I won't have a chance to woo you for the next 3 years." He puts the ring on.  
Snickering she says, "Well, the course is 10 years I hear." She puts the ring on. So begins another life in hell for Tesa, Daughter of Conf, granddaughter of Tolknor.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
A yell is made and the bodies line in single file. a spell is cast and all clothes are removed. The assistants walk down the line, each casting spells that remove jewelry, body paint and body hair. Photograph are taken. fingerprints are taken. blood samples are taken.
One walks and looks at Tesa. "Your name is 32. You will remember no other name. No place. No rank. no experience before being told your name. What is your name?"
32 says, "I am 32"
An assistant at Fortunadas, "Your name is 33. You will remember no other name. No place. No rank. no experience before being told your name. What is your name?"
33 says, "I am 33"
the third assistant steps up to Realmer, "Your name is 34. You will remember no other name. No place. No rank. no experience before being told your name. What is your name?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
34 says, "I am 34"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
At a pace of 7 miles an hour a year goes by in 62,000 miles.
The terrain is rugged but the running path is well worn. Long stretches are flat but much of it is hilly fading into mountainous. The first year goes by in a blur on non-comprehension. there is no self there is nothing by pain and movement. Even an Amberite's endurance would be tested by the maniacal pace set by Banidoc.
On the 366 day awareness of effort returns. Not a name. Not a history. No memory of grievances or triumphs. Knowledge of effort, place, terrain, weather and pain. There are hand movements with no context. the amber battle hand signs are taught on the run, without context, fingers moving, hands moving.
There are songs sung without understanding. Languages learned without comprehension. Just memorization. Each hill has a name learned. each river, plain, cave, forest. Types of trees are named, types of grasses. a sense of night and day and the passage of time is learned by rote.
As year two winds on the familiarity of the terrain comes. That tree, this rise, this downhill. Run here, jump there. This river, swimming this lake, diving off the cliff, the higher cliff, the much higher cliff. Jumping into the black pit and falling till splashing in wet blackness. Swimming in pitch black, and seeing the light come.
Running that course 12 times. Knowing its the second set of 12 times its been run.
The third year begins and there is no more pain. There is deep breathing and a determination to run. Faster, 9 miles an hour, 10 miles and hour...
The third year ends after 10 months and the runners have learned the space of Rasak. The hills, the rivers, the oceans, the dark caverns. Awareness comes.. they remember their names.
Banidoc stops in a dell in the forest. The 500 people in this session. there are 50 camp fires and around each 5 rolled canvas tents. Somewhere in the run the methods for setting up the tent we given in a time of unawareness.
The Runners stop as he does. He turns and orders 50 rows of 10. Then leads each ten to a camp fire in the great dell. A sense of individual effort returns.
Banidoc walks from group to group. asking names, 21, 28, 31, 470, 499.
Tents are ordered set up. Names are paired off, 31&32, 33&34, 35&36. sleep is ordered.
Upon waking 32 cries out in helpless fear, pain and deep soul searing despair and a bodily exhaustion mixed with fear and a new feeling of endurance. She is not alone in her angst. Others cry out as might be their nature, or worse, as if it would not have been their nature.
Knowledge of individual abilities returns with no name save a number. No rank, no memory, no history. But skills and languages taught. communication occurs by hand sign as if they were a native language. Numbers look on each other in a 3 year growth of hair and 3 year without bathing unless they swam.
Suddenly a new thing shatters their minds.. Cooking meat. They see tables in the distance piled with foods of many varieties, food cooking, drink in pitchers and tankards.
Banidoc stand on a stump.
"Soldiers. You may eat. Dismissed"
They run for chow call pushed on by starvation.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
As the order of Dismissed is given, 34 does not hesitate to rush for chow like everyone else. He moves as fast as he can, taking advantage of his thin lithe body to slip between the other soldiers and gain a better place in the Chow Line.
When 34 gets his food he does not bother to move any further than needed to find a place to sit, saving a place for 33 next to him. He and 33 were assigned to the same tent, that makes them a team; teammates watch each other's back.
But 34 did not wait to eat until seated; he began eating the moment food hit his plate. 34 eats ravenously of any and all food given, offered or provided. He drinks with a thirst that seems unquenchable; washing down every other bite of food with several large gulps of whatever is handy.
When 34 sees 33, he motions him over to have a seat next to him in the place he had saved, possibly using a Battle Hand Sign without even realizing it.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa waking up


*'''Michael James Watson'''
The last 2 months of the third year are a celebration of the completion of the first section. There are 50 camp fires and some compulsion keeps groups together about 70% of the time at their own fire. Groups cook together from the common stores where there is not a complete. Most of the days, and nights are spent in listening to guest speakers who walk from fire to fire. The compulsion to sit and behave, and listen when they talk is strong.
Fraternization is encouraged and since no one is wearing clothes there is a great deal of it and only the degree of modesty that in native to individuals. People race, wrestle, but not knowing who each is makes it hard to argue about things unknown.
Number 42 makes his rounds through the women in the group though few take a second swing at a clearly massive man at 12' tall. Number 32 passes on the experience but she and 33 do so regularly. 32 and 34 take a few rolls if 34 allows it.
Among the guest speakers are numerous elites as well as a few other experienced warriors with story telling skills. They talk of wars and battles Amber has faced but no mention is made of anything after, nor including the Black Road War.
Camping groups are directed in the lat month to fitness games among camps. Running, jumping, climbing, swimming. No prizes other then bragging rights.
During the 2 month interval, Banidoc is not seen.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
34 spends most of his time with his own group, but does wander a bit to familiarize himself with the faces and the names (numbers) of those in this session with him; he sizes each of them up as well.
34 listens intently to the guest speakers and learns what he can from each of their stories'. 34 seems to have a voracious appetite for knowledge and he feeds it as often as possible.
[Realmer has always been an asexual person, despite his male gender and good looks in his youth and again now. Though he has attracted the interest of females and occasionally males, Realmer has never had an interest in sex or romance; his interests have always been directed towards matters Academic and Arcane. And during his decades as an Adventurer, his altered physical appearance prevented sexual interest from others, so he never had to even think about it. And later as a Vampyr, when his good looks returned, his body had no sexual drive. Even after coming to Amber, Realmer has shown no sexual or romantic interest in anyone. But the mind in the body now is not that of Realmer, and the body can override the mind, from time to time.]
34 seems a bit hesitant to Fraternize with 32 at first, though it is not because she is unattractive, nor because he dislikes her, or because she has been with others... 34 is unsure of his hesitation... he can feel his bodily urges and knows the release would be beneficial... but he declines the first time 32 offers but in a way that let's her know to try again later. Eventually, 34 does Fraternize with 32, but no others.
34 is very competitive in the Fitness Games and strives for the top spot always, regardless of the competitions or participants... even if he does not place well in any given competition, he will strive to do better the next time he competes. 34's competitive nature only increases after Fraternizing with 32, but not in regards to her, but because the release has allowed him to focus more on the physical nature of the competitions and the enjoyment of physical exertion... and exhaustion.

*'''Michael James Watson'''
On the first day of year 4 the attendees wake in unison and step out to form blocks of ten;3,3,3,1. The one is in front of the three rows. Group 30s has 32 standing in front.
Waiting as the sun rises till noon when Banidoc comes out and climbs up on a stump.
"You are formed into Fire Teams. Each member will take turns as Fire Team Leaders.
"All teams: You will find you have a camp that is composed of 10 two piece tents, 10 folding camp stools. A camp box with cooking supplies. 5 waterjons holding 5 gallons of water. A company tent with a cook stove. 5 woodsman axes. 5 hand axes. And 10 body harnesses. Fire Team leaders-You will know what items to assign to what pacing of individuals to make transportation even. We will begin our run in a few moments. Make your assignments and prepare to move. Every night you will set up camp, cook, clean, participate in the days activities, then sleep, in the morning you will strike camp and move. Your fire team leaders will maintain order during their term. "
"Make ready to move!"
32 assigns equipment accordingly and lines the group in order. The run begins and is a fat paced 10 miles and hour run for 3 hours. Camp set up and food is stacked in readiness to be cook. The days activity includes group calisthenics, kata drills, Ti chi, run and jumps.
In the months that follow weapon drills, weapon katas, mixed weapon training, and in the mindless repetition with boredom suppressed the lessons are bored into the memories of the compelled individuals.
In the second year freedom of movement is allowed and drill instructors come ad hone the rote memory skills into thoughtless battle skills. Games are included. Various footballs, rugby, home game, and team sports. Tactics are taught on a simple level at first but grow to become natural and obvious.
In the third year battle drills become serious. Wound occur causing pain but no blood loss. Fatal strikes to the neck and head bounce off harmlessly. A month of culturally significant dances is done to the general confusion of all, save 33 who excels at them.
As the 11th month of the 3rd years starts full movement occurs and the Celebration of completion begins. Banidoc disappears.
During the second celebration there are more campfires and more BBQs. Horsemanship is begun to be taught to those unfamiliar with it. Acrobatics are taught and 32 excels at them. Parkour is taught and 42 excels at it.
Karate and ti chi continue without compulsion.
The parties are not as frequent as people have settled into knowing people they get along with. 42 seems to have a fawning circle of people drawn to his naturally powerful presence.
The first day of the 7th year Banidoc calls everyone to order.
"You will remember your names only. This begin the Battle Sessions. You will do movement drills, battle drills, mock combats, and tournaments. These will be in couple, teams and split session. You will face different races in mock battle. There will be lectures in large and small groups. There will be periods of compulsion in this activities and period of freewill. There will be little sleep. The actions will not be scheduled but when called must be managed."
"Lastly, you will learn the Laws of Amber, having heard her history and her failures you will learn of her glory, her kingdoms her allies and her enemies. You will have little sleep. You will maintain your camps. Remembering your names you will use them as well as your numbers. and Know, your future assignments may depend on your performance. "
"First, as the sun rises, we run"
And the running begins.

*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
34 learns the equipment. 34 learns the daily jobs. 34 learns the weapons. 34 learns the drills. 34 learns the katas. 34 learns his lessons. 34 learns well. 34 is a soldier. 34 does.
34 enjoys the competitive games and the teamwork associated with them. 34 learns horses and how to ride them. 34 learns acrobatics and parkour... he likes both.
34 likes the battle drills and mock battles. 34 does not mind the wounds or the pain. 34 is a soldier. 34 does.
Year 7.... Realmer, #34, is ready for the Battle Drills; his body is ready, his mind is ready, he is ready. Realmer is a soldier. Realmer does.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
During camp time and socializing time during those 3 years, 32 & 33 seem to spend a lot of time together. Publicly much of it is quiet. 33 is gregarious and make light of his missing memories and entertains people with a outstanding singing voice, musical talents, theatrical presence. Nightly the camp can here their enthusiastic fraternizing.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
During the camp & socializing time of those 3 years; 34 spent most of it observing the habit of others. If asked to join in, he did. 34 is very well aware of 32 & 33's nightly habits and has an arrangement with 33 to trade off tents for their nightly fun and an another arrangement with 31 to share whichever tent is not being used for fraternizing for sleeping or whatever the need.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Years 7, 8, & 9 are the most strenuous sine they are constant exercise and constant challenges to memory, and judgment.
While wilderness survival has been taught all along now it is focused to fight and survive in many terrains. Burning sands, freezing mountains, swamps and clover fields.
Live weapon melee and war-field battles with healing each night. Drills, wargames large and small.
while individual weapon skills are constantly trained new skills are added. Metalwork teaches forge and iron work, the making of weapons up to a high degree. Leather work is done. Pioneering.
Horsemanship and dottlemanship are a daily part of the drills. and the horses and dottles are cared for communally. Cavalry skills are taught from mounted couched lance to fighting long spears, cavalry sabers, to morning stars. Rope work is a part of horsemanship.
Artillery is taught to many people with no experience with it. catapults, ongers, ballista, arbalists.
Archery is trained from thrown weapons, to bows, crossbows, and bolt and clockwork-guns. Firearms are taught from matchlocks to Vulcan cannons.
Classroom discussions held at meal time discus the vat array of military weaponry that exists throughout shadow. One night includes a overview of the Amber Star Fleet. One the Navy.
A general over view of musical items is taught with an emphasis on drums and horns,, especially in their use on the battlefield. Banidoc hates the bagpipes but they are taught as well for their battlefield use.
Throughout the year as live battles large and small are done medical training is taught with an emphasis on field treatment.
The final two months are a Celebration of Knowledge where instructors ask questions on all topics learned in 9 years. These quizzes occur in small groups and large to enthusiastic group.
The Celebration includes BBQs, cooking classes, singing, and much revelry among the survivors.
In 9 years the rings of compulsion have have forced participants to complete all tasks until the celebration of Knowledge. Then people are allowed to leave if they wish. None do.
The beginning of the 10th year begins with Banidoc returning.
"Soldiers. The final test comes. You will remember your names. Your pasts, your fears ad follies. The Rings of Compulsion will block no memory. You all came to Rasak with skills enough to make someone recommend you. You have learned many things here. What you were and what you have become must fuse together in the final year and they will be forged in fire and blood.
"This morning we travel to the World of Adledross This is a warrior world. It is deep in shadow and the rules are this; You will be an army of 5 cohorts, each of 100 soldiers. Each Cohort has 10 fire teams. You will be on one side of the continent and must fight your way to the other. You will fight foes of may kinds n many terrains. They are summoned to fight from all across shadow. Your woulds will heal normally. If you die you return to the starting line to start over. Victory is rewarded. You will live off the land. Scavenge food and supplies, weapons, lodgings.
"Command will change from time to time. The wearer of the green bands answer to the Wearer of the green Band with the unicorn emblazoned. They are the Commanding General till they wake without it. Show that you can take orders as well as give orders.
"And you will not be alone. We are not the only ones who use Adledross. Four other warrior empires send 5 cohorts at the beginning of each year. You will meet them and ally with them. They know of Amber. We know of them. But they are not major realms. They are clusters and mighty realms in Shadow and one day many of you may see them, even serve with them again. Fight together, win together."
"You enter Adledross dressed in boots, trousers, shirt, coat, and bearing two knives. One a fighting knife. One a utility knife. Everything else you must scrounge. Your magics will work if you have such skills but no thing may be conjured to the world. Some of you had companion beasts. Bound mounts, familiars, and boon companions. They will be reunited with you on Adledross. Remember who you are now. Introduce yourselves. But remember you are still soldiers of Rasak, still wear the ring of Compulsions, and no rank beyond here matters till you leave Rasak. Be you kings or knights, Masters or gods, does not matter. Your titles will not save you, your companions will. Good Luck, Soldiers of Amber. March to the trump gate. Leave everything else behind.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Year 7: Relmopator.... Realmer.... a name with no past but the one here in Rasak. What kind of name is Relmopator, anyway? It does not matter; #34-Realmer does what the Instructor does. Realmer does what the Instructor says. And when Realmer has Free Will, Realmer does as he was taught. Realmer does.
Years 7-9 are Realmer's 'favorite' by far; finally putting all that physical training and learning to practical use.... bringing all learned so far together in a cohesive manner.... during these years the previous training methods begin to make sense... Realmer likes things that make sense.
Realmer also likes working with his hands. He discovered he really enjoys and has a knack for crafting useful things; weapons, horseshoes, armor, saddles, etc. He puts much effort into his crafting, making sure his creation is of the finest quality he can make it.
Once Realmer learns how to make things it gives him a better appreciation for taking care of his equipment, not that he didn't before, but now even more so does he care for and maintain his equipment, his creatures, himself.
Though Realmer puts equal effort into learning and practicing all forms of fighting and combat, he realizes during the Archery and Artillery lessons that he does prefer distance combat over close combat. He has a great interest in the various forms of Siege Engines and while learning how to operate them he studies their design and how they physically work; the mathematics and engineering of the thing. He also has a similar interest in the Clockwork Guns and when they are taught how to 'field strip' them he pays great attention and studies the inner workings carefully. When an Instructor said all soldiers should be able to field strip their weapon with their eyes closed, Realmer was one of the first to learn how to do just that.
When music and musical instruments it taught, Realmer pays close attention with a keen interest... he likes how the arrangement and timing of tones and sounds can keep all the soldiers of an army in sync, raise the moral of troops and inspire fear and dread in the enemy. Yes, Realmer likes music; there is something about a formulation of notes that causes an effect that greatly appeals to Realmer. And once Realmer hears the bagpipes it becomes clear to him that he MUST learn how to play this unusual instrument of leather, wood and wind that wails such haunting tones as to stir his soul.
During the battles, Realmer puts all he has learned here in Rasak into play; not just what he has learned from the Instructors and Guest Speakers, and not just what he has learned from his experiences here, but also what he has learned by observing those around him during camp times, celebration times, the times between lessons and drills; Realmer took the time to learn all he could about the habits and traits of those around him so that during drills he would know how best to defeat them if they were on opposing sides or how to min/max their weaknesses/strengths if they were on the same side. During the battles, Realmer learns from his previous mistakes and the mistakes of others. When he dies or gets injured he learns why it happened and how to prevent or lessen it next time. Realmer finds the blood and gore of battle neither appealing nor repellent, but natural somehow, just like working with wounded or dead bodies. Realmer takes many opportunities to act a his teams field medic; it feels somehow natural to be working with blood and organs and body parts.
Year 10: I am Relmopator Barimen. Son of Satura and Hagalta. Grandson of Verna and Dworkin.
As Banidoc speaks thoughts and memories try to flood in, integrate, but Banidoc is still giving orders. Realmer stops the flood of thoughts and memories and focuses only on Banidoc's words, his instructions, his orders, our mission. As he moves towards the Trump Gate, Realmer lets the memories of self and past flood back in and begin to integrate.
34: Magic. Spells. Bob the Beholder. Graso the Horse. All excellent assets for a soldier.
Relmopator: Weapon Skills. Physical Training. Forging and Crafting Skills. Horsemanship. Tactics and Stratagems. By the Primal Beasts! I'm becoming a War Wizard.
Realmer/34: This year will prove to be most interesting and will surely be a test of my mettle. The past 9 years I have been heated and hammered upon to create a strong weapon and this year ahead will certainly harden me and sharpen me into a lethal weapon; yet I must remain flexible enough to withstand the stresses of combat and not break or shatter. I am Relmopator Barimen; an Amberite, an Adask, an Academician, an Adventurer, an Ambassador, a man that has suffered Hells of torment and pain throughout his life and come away stronger from each.
I am a Survivor. I am a Sorcerer. I. AM. A. SOLDIER.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bagpipes? Figures...
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
I HAD to. I just HAD to. They kind of fit Realmer too. Think about it...
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
had you not mentioned them I would not have thought of them. Might have chosen trumpet so he could join in with Random when he jams. But.... bagpipes it is
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Sure. And I already have a whole spiel when random hears that of all The musical time at np. He had to pick bagpipes. Hilarious.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
When Tesa remembers who she is she falls to her knees weeping uncontrollably. Shaking, grabbing her hair and yanking in despair. Fort comes to comfort her, looking to Realmer then Tesa.
She looks at Fort, “You knew....you knew the whole time.....how could you?"
"I didn't 'Know' completely but I could feel it. I felt connected but not sure how. It felt right... Don't deny it. Yes I knew who I was the whole time but not much more. I'm A thrice crowned bard. I can't be made to forget. I just didn't know you were....who you are.. I promise. Don't let it ruin this between us.. "
She stands, looks to Realmer, "Get him away from me now, please"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer steps between them and faces Fort.
"Please, respect Tesa's wishes, Fort. Give her distance and time. And might I recommend that we remain respectfully discreet about this matter and not make it any more awkward or any worse than it already is. Please, Fort, walk away."
Realmer waits until Fort leaves; if he does not, Realmer will attempt to politely escort him away from Tesa.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort looks Realmer in the eyes and they seem somehow glowingly inquisitive. "Of course. I'll be around obviously." He whispers in a nearly native Montagarian, "Tell her Conf won't have to choose. It's her of course. And between you and I, siblings of Amber...well, it happens"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer raises his eyebrow at Fort's nearly native Montagarian and whispers his response in Montagarian as well.
"Yes. It does happen. But not normally like this. Consent with foreknowledge of the facts is usually the norm. I will see you around."
Realmer turns to Tesa and speaks quietly in Thari.
"Would you like some company? Or do you want to be alone now?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort smiles, "well, certainly. Will that be what you will tell her of your own behavior?
He walks off.
Tesa.. "No...it's clearing.....what kind of people would create a place like this? I wanted this....I didn't know...now I do. Live a d learn? Yes?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes Tesa; live and learn. I wasn't sure of exactly what this Place was going to be like either, but had heard enough about it to avoid the Place for the last four decades or so. I chose this also; but despite the Hellish qualities of this Place, it will make me a better soldier, a better person, for it. And you as well. Honestly; if Carston can survive this Place, you can as well."
Realmer said the last bit about Carston with humor, not disrespect. He smiles at Tesa and gives her a wink and a slight chuckle.
Then Realmer is quiet for a few moments as they move towards/through the Trump Gate; he looks ever so slightly uncomfortable.
"I hope there are no issues between you and I, Tesa. Unlike Fort, I didn't know who I was or who you were. As it should have been for everyone here. I don't regret what happened between us or feel that either of us took advantage of the other. I just hope matters between us are solid."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She smiles, "well, no offense but I would never have considered a roll with you. Not sure why except you don't give off that vibe...Fortunes though, he sort of exudes it... And he didn't know who I was....just That we somehow felt connected....sometimes that's enough....but I was a child whore till I was 9 and said no...killed my first man...prayer to Conf for strength, like I had prayed to the illsigi & Ranken gods, but in the end, it was Conf who answered... I think he had been answering for years before we actually spoke...I never met Fortunadus till here....but...I'll sort it out. Till then we have our traveling orders"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer chucks her on the shoulder and says, "That we do. Let's move like we've got a purpose."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She stands to get ready, grabs your arm, "Realmer... Are we solid? I'd like to think so but I should make a confession since we have gone through this now. I always thought of you as a employer. Properly too. I've known Gangdis since I first came to Amber and he has looked out for me so what he told me was he thought you could use my talents and you would almost certainly pay far more then the going rate for a come-along thief. Opportunity to make a contact in the royal that might lead to future riches. I planned to give good service, but I was also planning to ride your coattails as long as I could. Hope you understand..I'm for hire..I try to stay away from street crime these days and you were a path to a richer life.. "
She looks around as people are stacking equipment and moving to assemble for travel. Looks at him.
"I didn't expect to find friends. Carston is more a mercenary then I am but on Adagalasck he and I became friends. I'd like to think we did too. This place...it really makes one consider what one is loyal to. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer pats Tesa's hand comfortingly, the one grabbing his arm, and smiles at her warmly.
"Oh, Tesa, we are certainly solid in my tome. When I hired you on Gangdis' recommendation, I only expected and considered you, a professional Padfoot for hire. But you proved yourself to be more than that and proved that your services were more than worthy of what I was overpaying you for them" he pauses to wink at her, "but more than that, you showed loyalty and trust, you stood by me during the hardest years of my Ambassadorship in Adagalasck... and that made you my friend, Tesa Resa. Carston too."
Realmer does not help Tesa gather gear, but works independently of her to get more done faster... and to show his respect for her skills and capabilities. But stays close enough to converse.
"If you want riches beyond your dreams so you may 'retire' in comfort and style, just ask and I will give you a world all your own to do with as you wish. But if you wish adventure and power... and for tales to be told of you for centuries to come... stick with me and you will get both, before your days are done. But first, my friend, we must get all of this through that Trump Gate. By the way... where is Carston? I haven't seen him since last night. Busy morning and all, but still, where did he disappear to? I have not heard the bell ring today. Or ever since arriving. I wonder how common or uncommon that is."
Realmer continues to pack up to get things moving towards the next phase of his training and his new life.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Carston was in another Fire team in the 200s, Number 208. He sees you as you are getting ready and comes over.
"Well, 34, I'd like to thank you for your recommendation to this place...I've been a soldier in the armies of Wall, and Ichkolai, and eventually Imperial Tosa. I was an adventurer too for a time but I was never more then a grunt, knighthood aside. What I am because of this place is more then I could imagine. I'm not sure why King Julian wanted to hire me, but I tried to be worthy of the confidence he seemed to have in me.. Now I think that I may do well there. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, 208... Carston, the reason why I recommended you and why Julian hired you and recommended you as well is because you are a steadfast soldier; you are practical, frugal, direct, you know good equipment, weapons and horse flesh, but most of all, you give it your all, every time. You are reliable and dependable, Carston. I am glad to know you and will hire you away from Julian whenever you are ready for it. Good Fortunes, 208 Carston. If I don't see you out there, I'll see you at Graduation."
Realmer extends a hand to Carston, number 208.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He shakes the hand, nodding, "You seemed pretty bookish..But you remind me of King Venki now. if it comes to it, I'll be for hire though Julian and I get along pretty well. He has good work ahead for him and I like being part of it. But, regardless of if its you or Julian, its wise to remember when you deal with my people that one never leaves CHAD. Duke Micholt, Duke Dolki, that nightmare Jeremy Fairhand, friggin King Alexandir; all keep their CHAD cards up to date. So will I. see you on the other side"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Oh, I understand the minds and ways of Mercenaries... not too different than that of an Adventurer's... which is exactly why I hired you and may continue to hire you; 'hired help' is more honest than 'followers'. Travel Well."


====<big>Adledross: The Beginning</big>====


Arriving in the dark of night on a rocky plain in front of a thick wide forest. Behind is a fortification city lit by torches and candles. Forces arriving are directed by a short man with a powerfully commanding voice.
The short man taps Realmer with a short baton, "Amberites! You'll take the Midline camp there" He points with a baton. "Its rocky but flat, between the rocks you'll see running water. Establish water discipline, latrine positions are marked, set them up. Diamond formation for camps. You, Relmopator, take your cohort on the west side. You, Kablin, take your 2nd cohort left of 1st Cohort. You, Traxton, take the 3rd just east. "
Alexandir kos Korag starts striding toward the man, "Ill take 4th cohort we will move into the woods to...." The short man points the stick and Alex goes silent. "Dandilar, you take 4th cohort and take the front tip of the diamond, Alexandir is your problem. He is to hold NO rank. He is to lead no squads. He is to be a gods-damned Soldat and learn that his will is not an order to any manjack and swinging dick in this army or will fail him myself. Alexandir, listen to me:You may be a god on Tosa and you and I have fought side by side before. So you know I am serious-Your worst military failing ha always been that you believe yourself right in all thing oh Saint of Battle. You came here to learn, not teach, you will follow, not lead, or by the great tusked boar I will yank all the learning you have gained on Rasak and send you back to Amber to wet your pantaloons in shame. Is that understood oh God of Rage? Good! Carston, take 5th Cohort to the back diamond point. The forests in front for 100 meters is thin leafy wood, good for shelters. Tomorrow's mission will be to secure provender. Camp inspections in 5 hours. Shelters need not be complete but they should be marked and materials assembled."
A large man with a booming voice, wearing a quilted blue gambison and gray hose, yells, "Boney!!! My luck is grand this day indeed!"
The man turns, "Count Roland? Merde, what are you doing here? I expected Edwin."
"Ah, Edwin has the sac crabs. That's a bad thing for us as you know.. I've 500 men and 500 dragons crossing the portals now where..." he freezes in place.
Boney says ,"Good Count Roland, the information is coming to me now and I will handle the Anzara Reen when it is your fontu turn! And by the Daughter of Desire, Roland, you will not command a flight. Now. take your people to Middle Ground camp and tell them they will hop on one leg for your temerity in addressing me familiar because of our past pleasure. You are on Adledross not on Anzara."
The big man hops over to the arriving warriors, hopping on one foot.
"Amberites. I am Adledross Camp Master Napoleon. I may be addressed as Campmaster, General, Sir, or m'Lord till I say otherwise. Instruction has begun. If you fail here, all that you learned on Rasak, all you gained there will be lost, forgotten, erased. You have been warned. On Adledross death is not failure, fear I not failure, pain is not failure, mercy is not failure. Fight well. The foe are arriving around the battlelands. "
"There are 5 battle armies in camp this session. Far north will be the Kanzari Kzin. next the Reskaan forces of human, dwarves & orcs. Amber is in the middle force. Right of them are the Dragonlord of the Anzara Reen. As a kindness I've given the the largest camp, Beware, they have issues maintaining sanitary discipline. Lastly are the Horseman of The Treba learna Cursis who will have the southern most camp.. They are on the far right for better access to wooded lands since they have a preponderance of light, medium and heavy artillery. Know your companions in war. Many missions will mix your forces for joint action. Dismissed to assemble camp!

*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer nods to Napoleon, knowing NOT to salute in the field. "Thank you, General."
Then he turns to his Cohort and motions for them to gather round. When he addresses them, he raises his voice enough to be clearly heard and he uses a commanding tone, but he does not shout or bark out his orders.
"We are 1st Cohort. Our camp position is central so it's essential that we arrive first and establish out camp perimeter so the other Cohorts can establish theirs. First; Establish camp perimeter, clear the ground and use the rocks to build positions of cover. Second; latrines. Third; cooking areas, water gathering and storage, and last; mount corrals and shared shelters. Area designations and a watch rotations will be established at site. Remember to maintain Water Discipline at all times; keep the water clean for everyone. Absolutely NO polluting of the waters!"
"Tesa, you're the advanced scout leader. I need the four fastest runners here now; you know who you are. You are the scout team. I want all five of you at our camp site before everyone else get to theirs. Run like the wind. Go now."
"1st Cohort; move fast and gather what materials you can on the run. Move out! Triple Time! Go! Go! Go! We must arrive first!"
[Since there was no mention of our 'bonded creatures' arriving, I will assume they come later. Otherwise, Realmer would have sent Bob ahead to Scout the area and sent Tesa on Graso to establish perimeter.]
*'''Michael James Watson'''
They will arrive after camp is set up. dragons, horses, wardogs, and bob
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Did you just call Kevin a 'wardog'? HAHAHAAAA no... wait.... that could work.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
oh, I understand. I live with three of them. But they are very well behaved and not vicious. But... They absolutely have the potential for it. I've seen them chasing after stray cats and they sure seem vicious then.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
maybe he can take NP next time
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa runs off to gather runners while the rest move o the camp area and start squaring things away. I looks fairly clearly where things get setup from long repetition. Everyone is a soldier so there is no roughhousing or lollygagging. All 5 cohorts get set in place.
Runners scout out good lumber and the axemen follow and start sorting out shelter structures, stacking wood in place in preparation for assembly.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer does not bark orders or assign tasks, instead he allows the soldiers to assign themselves to tasks; they know what needs to be done as well as Realmer does and they are capable of doing the tasks. Realmer will only assign tasks, direct or redirect manpower as needed. Realmer will not shirk manual labor because he has been given 'temporary command' of the Cohort; a good leader won't order a man to do anything he won't do himself.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bob appears suddenly followed several horses and a cat and a dottle. several of the men greet companion horses. A warrior woman who didn't talk about her past hugs the dottle's neck. The cat runs over to a man from Thelusia.
Bob-"There is an army of dragons coming!!!!!!!"
Coming over the forest is a dark shape of 500 dragons flying swooping wing. They wear leather harness and shriek as if on the attack as they mean to assault the ground. They wing in unison and pull feet forward to fall to land near the Anzara Reen. The men run and leap on the beasts who take off in the air circling around in close quarter spins and flights high in the air.
A soldier of Amber next to Relmopator says-"You know, Amber really ought to have a wing of dragons. "
Fort, standing near by says, "Be careful what you wish for. Wall, on Tosa, has several Dragon Wings of different types;colored dragons, Pernese dragons, Wyvern flocks. If you think pigeons are rough on statues I can tell you dragons are worse.
Lastly a fox come running out of the forest, leaping over rocks and branches, under foliage. It runs up to Fortunadas who kneels to greet her.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Good to see you Bob. And the dragons are invited and not currently a threat. But great to know you're on the job already."
Without looking at the Amber Soldier that addressed him, because he too is staring at the magnificent flight of dragons, "I agree. And perhaps one day soon we will."
Realmer looks around for Graso... he is not sure if she would be considered a 'bonded' creature like Bob... but she is bound to Realmer in a way.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Graso comes running out of the horses of the Treba learna Cursis. It seems especially chipper.
Its noted that few Amberites have bound animals. A few horses and a dottle, a cat, bob and Graso
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''


*'''Michael James Watson'''
Boney walks up to Fort." Soldat, I would like to request you send your companion here elsewhere unless you wish to have a similar creature allowed to Ally with the enemy warband. There is a primal beast that makes its home on this world and in our experience it only bothers to combatant if one side or the other has a primal beast to challenge its supremacy on this world."
Fort nods, looks at Realmer, "Fair point, but...34, you are my cohort commander today...Your call."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I agree with the General, 33... if we can keep Primal Beasts out of this entirely, then let's do so. Send your Fox away. I would do the same if Bob here were a Primal. The only way I would allow your Fox to stay, Fort, is if someone else also brought a Primal Beast and insisted on keeping it, then it would be another matter."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort laughs cheerfully. "Send? Send my primal beast away? Tell Julian to order Morganstern away. Tell Swayvil to demand the Serpent out of Chaos. My friend here will stay and go if it chooses. And it will deal with the other primal if there is one. I may convey my assurances that I am well, surrounded by boon companion and am involved in a game, not a life or death struggle and that its ok if it wish to find a cool glad and wait it out. But I do not 'SEND' it anywhere. "
Fort kneels and puts his head on the fox's. It turns and look slyly at Realmer, It runs between his legs and disappears into the forest.
"There.. I ...sent...her away.....hehe. She is going to seek out this other primal beast and have words with it."
He turns to Boney and says in French, "One does not command the waves, mon general, but one may implore them."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer chuckles and nods his head at Fort.
"Fair enough. A Primal Beast Companion is NOT a Familiar like Bob or a Bound Mount like Graso here" Realmer reaches over and strokes her muzzle and smiles, "and cannot be SENT away, only asked."
Realmer pauses then says, "I sure hope the words exchanged between those two Primals doesn't get heated, for all of our sake's."
After seeing that there are few 'bound animal companions' amongst his Cohort, he feels lucky to have Bob AND Graso, but still starts looking around on the ground and checking his pockets and pouches (even though they are normal) for a little white poodle. When he doesn't find Kevin he shrugs and mentally chuckles to himself.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
In the distance Realmer can Boney inspecting the Kzin when Count Roland come up.
"You Sir! Amberite! I aw Boney speaking with you that makes you an Amberite Cohort commander this week. As I am sure you know, we will have some short range goals in the next few days. Food and weapons being most vital. Are you interested in a cooperative effort for a food source? Our dragons came from the east and saw a woodlands patch that looked like a watermelon field. It was being rooted in by a heard of hip pigs. There is a force of orcs about two days east of it. We are 5 days by foot or 4 hours by air. We can ferry troops, and dismount to join you but if our dragons close within scent ranger the pigs will flee. I propose we transport a cohort to west of the field, a cohort north and south, and two cohorts east. We secure water, sweet rinds, and pork enough for at least a week for both forces, not including the dragons. They will be delighted to go feed on orc. "
He looks up and sees Boney inspecting the Kzin, "Oh, and I am a spokesman for Flight Leader Grenit and Ronat Scaleback. Not personally being a flight leader this session."


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Roland; well met. I am Relmopator; call me Realmer. Your plan sounds solid but since it only requires 5 Cohorts, and each Army here has 5 Cohorts each... Your army could accomplish the plan with involving another army... so, if I may ask; why a cooperative effort? And why us? Not that I don't appreciate the offer... I am just curious why."
Realmer continues to watch his Cohort as they assemble the structures; latrines first. As several soldiers move building materials to start work on the 'mess hall', he holds up a hand to Roland and says, "Just a moment."
He turns to the soldiers and calls out, "Do NOT build a mess hall! Just keep the area clear! I have something special planned!"
"Well, better get this done now" he says to himself and Roland.
Instead of using the scarce supplies present, Realmer will use one of his specially made High Order Spells to make the Mess Hall: Realmer's Secure Shelter, which is currently Hung on the Sigil of the Spiral. The Shelter will be made of materials normally in the area, stone and wood, but will not use resources present. The Shelter will be an open air pavilion with square stone pillars at each corner and along all four sides holding up the heavy wooden beams and rafters and slate tiled roof. The mess hall with contain multiple open fire pits with spits and several fireplace ovens. There will be several long thick wooden tables for preparing the food and many long tables of stone with stone benches for dining. Realmer brings up the Spiral, not visible, selects the Spell and upon releasing the required lynchpins, the structure appears out of thin air, ready for use.
Realmer turns back to Roland, "Sorry for the interruption. You were about to tell me why a cooperative effort with us?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"ah, I do meant 5 cohorts of Amber and my 5 cohorts of dismounted dragonriders. As for why we are not not taking them ourselves; Dragons will scatter the hip pigs. Skittish bitches at the best of times if we flew one dragon within scent range the whole herd would scatter. There are close to a thousand of them. If we can take 100 that's meat for a thousand two feets for a week. They plant supplies like this around for the taking. There are 5 armies here. I could take the wing and drop 500 of us far enough away to sneak up but the chance of taking enough is small. 1000 two feets...we can take at least 100. Maybe more. But..none of us have archery so it's hand to hand with hunting knives. Now we have a few combat magic users but the fastest way to fail Adledross is to use too much magic too fast. And lastly, being a wooded area, we couldn't get the dragons to the ground anyway. The forest isn't knee to knee tight but its close enough to make the brutes worthless in a ground fight.
"And why you and not the others? The Treba Cursis horseman over there are terrible ground fighters. Hip pig are 5' at the shoulders with 3' tusks and we would lose half the unmounted horseman in the first 10 minutes of battle. The Reskara don't coordinate well in groups over about 50;it's a racial issue for them. They racially mix squads here but it makes them historically unreliable. That's part of the reason they come here; to get over not trusting each other. Politically their world has a dozen kingdoms none of which are homogeneous. So every kingdom has Humans, Elves, Dwarves, and orc races and all their subraces and none of them get along particular well. Raskara is the dominant nation on their planet because they send their professional warriors here in order to force them into mixed race groups. Its admirable, and has proven effective for the military. But in their homeland, all the kingdoms are just one insult to someone's mother away from civil war even if they are fighting each other.
He looks toward the Kzin and scowls.
"And as for the Kanzari Kzin.....let's just say you don't want to leave your wounded laying around after battle near them. They are hungry after a fight and none too picky about their meals. And well... I hate the fucks. I'd rather kill them then the pigs. They taste better and their fur makes nice rugs. Also, they don't fight other Kzin. I had a force of them here team up with a foe band against us once. I'll never trust their word again. On the other hand, we've worked well with Amberites in the past. Princes Bleys, Brand, Gerard, and Julian as well as Princess Deirdre have all fought on Anzara with the Reen. I've no complaints with their actions there or here."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"We have 10 months to cross 2000 miles. For ground troops that's a he'll of a walk. 7 miles a day without battles and terrain issues. I could fly the wing across in a month but what's the fun in that? Part of this is teaching my dragons to coordinate with ground forces and delay gratification. And to be honest, I've over 200 young dragons on their first trip here. Partially trained...my riders are all experienced but 100 of them are here for the first time. So... It's a training exercise for all of us, isn't it?
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort says, "Your dragons? Are you their commander then?"
Roland looks at the Foxmate with a wide smile, "Well, obviously my wing leader is employing his strategic skills by having his finest strategist and tactician arrange the most reliable alliance."
Fort nods, " well, that is clever of him. I am sure our cohort commander would like you to convey his respects to the wing commander. As one of our commander's finest strategist I should point out that Bonaparte is out of the cat pen over there and is likely to be here momentarily. "
Roland looks over and nods. "Indeed, I'd best make a tactical retreat then. Sir Realmer, we will be ready to wing east in two hours. If your forces are there then I'll know we have an accord."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
After Roland goes back to his wing, Fort says. "100 big arsed tusked boars with hunting knives? Charming... if its not too bold, I'd suggest you get Alexandir to wade into these things. He can throw horses.. I've seen him fling centaurs while they had riders on them. Freakish bastard was a strength magic junkie in his youth. He and Zatonic raced to see who could drink the most of the blue strength potions. Also, his skin can''t be pierced by non-magical weapons. I've seen a dragon chew on him till it sprained its jaw. Just pissed Alex off. Have him pick these thing up by the snouts, smash them around and toss them behind him for the rest of us to dispatch. "
Tesa come closer, looking sideways at Fort then to Realmer to add, "We might have good luck with a few of our bigger guys grabbing them by the tusks for the lighter ones to dispatch. Also, a lot of this shelter material is long 3" poles. Put a tip on them and its practically a pig spear."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer listens to Roland's reasoning and finds it sound. Since Fort interjected himself into the conversation and Fort IS a far better strategist than himself, Realmer decides to make it official, during his Command. Realmer turns to Fort and smiles.
"Your Commander thanks you for volunteering your expertise as a strategist, Fort. You're now Strategic Advisor for as long as I am in command. Please, keep the suggestions, strategies and information coming."
Realmer turns to Tesa and says, "An excellent idea on the shelter poles, Tesa; and considering the amount of materials saved by my use of a Spell for the Mess Hall, we should be able to spare enough for pig spears as well as have enough to complete the shelters. We have two hours until we need to meet the Dragon Wing and less than that until General Napoleon's inspection. The General did say we DIDN'T have to have all the shelter's assembled, just areas marked and materials at hand."
"Tesa; spread the word throughout 1st Cohort and let everyone know to make as many pig spears as we can without sacrificing the shelters; and remind them of the size of these pigs. While you're about that task, find 9 others with... specialized skills like your own; let them know they are now a part of the scout/stealth team; they're your team, they report to you, you report to me or Fort if I am unavailable. Move out."
"Fort; as my 2nd in Command and Strategic Advisor, you are also my official Spokesman, like Roland is for his Commander. Spread the word to the other Cohort Commanders of Amber's Army and let them know the plan and time table. Then get back here as quickly as you can... we've all got work to do to meet both of those deadlines. Move out."
Realmer keeps an eye out for Napoleon as he moves about 1st Cohort's Camp inspecting everything before the General does. Assuring latrines are dug and built, an area for the few horses is marked out and horses are tied up there, he puts Graso in the area as he moves about to assure there are enough poles for shelters and that poles are already being sharpened. Any last minute structures that need assembly or preparations that need to be made before the Inspection occurs is what Realmer is throwing his efforts into.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort chuckles, 'Ja, mein Kommandant, I think I'm going to enjoy telling someone to give Alex an order. He has been uncooperative since he was 18. But... I know his secret name and his secret fears....Never piss off bards and historians."
Tesa knows who to pick and grabs them.
As Realmer walks among the camp its fairly clear were everything goes. Latrine spots, tent spots, common area, horse lines. There is a sense of long use. There is also char in crevices.
Realmer sees Fort talking to Dandilar and Carston, with Alex standing beside. He notes there is no deference at all to Dandilar but something about his stance suggests there may be a bit of fear toward the Foxmate. Dandilar has a hated exchange with Alex that ends when Fort puts his hand lightly on Alex's knee, that being close at hand between the vastly different in height.
Fort leads Alex off and motions Alex to sit. He then leans in and whispers to the massive man's ear. He nods a couple times briefly. Alex stands and pats Fort on the shoulder almost fondly.
Carston comes over, "Realmer, Interesting plan. I've a few dancer types like Tesa to send her. I think we might want to leave a few men behind. These Reskara are having trouble getting organized and might take the chance to come steal building supplies. I get the feeling that might be allowed. I was also wondering if you might be able to make trumps for us to keep in touch. Fabric for a medium, blood for the art? Charred sticks?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Carston, send your dancer types to Tesa and let's try to gather some from each Cohort. I was considering leaving them behind during the hunting and gathering, just in case... now I am sure they will be staying here, considering the Reskara's problems and possibility of losing our supplies due to raids while we are gone."
Realmer thinks for a moment as he looks about the camp. looking at building supplies... realizing that most of the 3" poles will need to be trimmed a bit on either end for their intended use... a smile spreads across his face.
"Yes, Carston. I can produce some Trumps for the Cohort Commanders... I can cut some wooden disks and carve faces on them, but they will take some time to create and Command will change... but they could still be useful. I will be using Bob, my Familiar, to communicate when needed... he is nearly a Living Trump...." Realmer trails off then smiles even wider than before.
"Bob, you just got promoted to Communications Master. You will be responsible for keeping your eyes and ears tuned to the other current Cohort Commanders, as well as myself, and relay Communications between us. Go introduce yourself to the other Cohort Commanders and let them know you will be listening for their call. In fact, Shape Shift off a 'remote eye' (can also hear) for each Commander. Can you do that, Bob?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bob nod, ot of bouncing in place. "Will do boss. " Then blinks away.
Carston-"How does each cohort leaves a fireteam of 10 sound? "
*'''Michael James Watson'''
As the troops start shaving the tips of poles into spears a Kzin Warrior walks far behind the Reskara and up to the back of the Amberite forces, close to where Carston and Realmer stand talking.
He makes a chuff, announcing himself.
"Amberites!! I am T'Fanal of the Kanzari Kzinti; I command Clan 5 of the Kzin forces. I would like to parley before the day gets too much older. I have 2 clans running at speed east and north. 2 clans running hard east. And one here maintaining our camp. Who speaks for you?'
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I was thinking the same, Carston. A 10 man fireteam per camp for guard... but I only want half of them visible; I want the other half to be Tesa's extended team of Stealth Fighters hiding and roving the camps and areas between."
Realmer watches the Kzin Warrior out of the corner of his eye until the approaches and announces himself.
"Well Met. I am Relmopator, Commander of the Amberite 1st Cohort and this is Carston, Commander of the 5th Cohort. You may parlay with me, T'Fanal of the Kzin. Please approach and speak freely."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"We intend to make a center run for a week then aim north. There should be a thick forest before the flat lands beyond. We can tell from our position that the north is rimmed by snowcapped mountains near to hand. We will maintain a contact line to our troops in camp here. If you wish to trade with one of our bands make the parley howl like I did before entering.It will bring a commander. We have no idea whats ahead but the supply points will have something. We are fleet of foot and sure in such woods, we should be ahead of you. If what we find is weaponry, we may be willing to trade it for food. If we find a well armed warband there should be surviving weapons, clothes and supplies suitable for you kind. We do not deal with the Rskara. Dirty distrustful people without honor. "
He preens his paw briefly.
"We have dealt with the Anzara Reen before. They are bold fighters as long a they have dragonkind to give them courage but they flee under hard pressed battle. Still, if they wish to parley we will hear their petition. I am not familiar with the horsemen further on."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Soon our perimeter will have guards; if you wish to speak to a Commander, let one of the perimeter guards know and they will direct you. If you cannot locate a Commander look for a purple Beholder" Realmer uses a 2D-lusion to create an image of Bob, "he is our Master of Communications, his name is Bob; address him by name, tell him who you are and he will put you in contact with a Commander."
"Since your Clans are headed east, I should warn you; a flight of dragons will be flying east very soon and will most likely pass over your Clans then return back later... I will warn them of your Clans' presence so there are no mistakes. Two days east of here, by our movement rates, there is a band of Orcs, three days past that is a field of sweet melons and around 1000 hip pigs; we will be going to hunt and gather with the Dragonriders of Anzara Reen. The Orcs will be Dragon feed and should be bones at best by the time your Clans arrive there and the melon field beyond will be well picked over. But the hips pigs should return by the time your Clans get there. I will make sure the Amber and Anzara troops do not ruin too many of the melons we do not harvest, so that your troops will have food."
"The horsemen are called the Treba Cursis and I know little of them as well. We will trade with your people in a fair manner based upon our needs and yours. Thank you for introducing yourself, T'Fanal."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He considers your answer.. "I see. Its not your intention to hunt the whole herd? You do not intend to take the whole herd but would leave us a substantial number of the prey? I understand such estimates are at best guesses at this point but can you estimate how many of this possible thousand you think your troops will take? "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Our plan is to cull 100 plus... it is unlikely we would or could cull more than one third the herd. The Dragons will not be feasting on the herd; hence the mention of Orc remains in your Clans path."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He nods, "That is generous and will not be forgotten. The melons are of no concern to us. They are food for prey. If your dragons allies will be generous enough to contact us and give us a heading to this herd tell them it will be remembered also. We will be running straight and not hard to find. We have a clan to the north tasked to find the plains. I suggest considering a mutual camp on the first sign of the flat lands. It would be for the Kzinti, the Amberites, ...and the Reen. Others would have to petition once its established. I do not ask this now, consider it. When you find the plains, if we are there, consider the invitation offered."
He turns suddenly, looking at Alexandir coming up. His eyes go wide and he crouches.
Alex-"Cohort commanders. Commander Dadiril says his men are ready to move to ally. We have 100 and 30 sharpened poles. I have a stout cudgel and will bash them like that game king Random tried to make me play. Goof? The Foxmate has dared me to grab the pigs and smash them against trees. He's a little weasel and it annoys me to owe him a debt but the idea is entertaining. Why are you talking to this Kresh? Kzinti filth..."
He turns on the Kzin commander who speaks-"Tailbiter...In the flesh..Its a pity I can't bring the real death to you in this place. You serve Amber?"
Alex laughs.."Amber called me and mine in its time of need in fear of destruction. I don't recognize you personally, but then I'm not usually on speaking terms with rugs. "
He turns disdainfully to the Kzin. "Commander Dandril's compliments. We stand ready, Commander Relmopator, Commander Carston."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Alex, this is COMMANDER T'Fanal of the Kanzari Kzin 5th Clan, and as of right now Amber's Cohorts are on good terms with his people, so while he is in my camp, you will treat him with the respect due any Commander. Understood? Good. Now, go tell Commander Dandilar to leave a fireteam of 10 behind to guard your camp then have the rest move to the Dragonriders camp and team up with them for our transport. Move out."
Realmer turns away from Alex and faces T'Fanal.
"Commander T'Fanal, I thank you for the information on your troops movements and future plans. We appreciate your offers of trade and your offer of mutual camps once the plains are reached. Please send my regards to the other Commanders of the Kanzari Kzin Clans. And if your Clans on the move watch the flight path of the Dragons as they leave and return, they will know which direction to head to find the melon field and hopefully the hip pigs. Well Met and Good Fortunes, Commander."
Realmer thinks to Bob; 'Bob, have you contacted Kablin of 2nd Cohort and Traxton of 3rd? What is the status of 2nd and 3rd Cohorts? Are they nearing ready to meet with the Dragonriders?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Alex chuckles as he walks off, walking close to the crouched T'Fanal, "Good sir T'Fanal, You are a commander so I shall be polite as instructed. Please, if we interact in the future, and I hope we will, you have my permission to not to bow to me like that." He walks off with a hearty laugh.
T'Fanal rises from his attack crouch an angry look on his furry face. "Tailbiter here....Did Amber really go crawling to him for aide?"
Carston-"No Amber did not. Amber contracted with CHAD, which I am a member of, for mercenary service. King Korag was hired, as was his pantheon. Some of us in CHAD like him about as much as you do. I was not aware the Kzin had dealt with him. They are not a race in the Tosian/ York multiverse. He has been forbidden a leadership role here and it clearly chaffs. Disregard him as I, a native born Tosian, must do sometimes. "
T'Fanal nods, "Well said Sir Carston. I shall let my people know to ignore him. He has fought on the side of Saints of Battle in our realms. There are several Kzin Saints of Battle but the ones he fought beside were the Carataz, a lizard race..My regards to your cohorts. I go to join mine." He turns and lops away.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bob pops in, "Traxton and Kablin have set aside two Cohorts each. They had a short skirmish with Orcish forces of the Raskara. The Raskara are heading east now. Boney approved their camp with heavy criticism . He will be here momentarily by the way. I expanded Confusion Storm and Magic Missiles, as well as slowing ray in support of the Cohorts. The 2nd and the third are coming with Sir Carston's forces now. "
He hovers excitedly. "Speaking of coming now, Boney will be here momentarily."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well done, Bob. Keep the expenditure of Spells and use of Magic to a minimum; essential use only. Firstly; I may not have the time to re-Rack the Spells, and secondly; I found out that the fastest way to fail this course is to use too much Magic too soon. Use your Power Words and Innate Powers as needed, but sparingly for now. Use your Racked Spells as though they will not be replenished. Also, keep me apprised of any communications you relay between other Cohort Commanders that I am not a part of. Oh, and as well as being Communications Master, you are also on Over Watch; keep watch over all Amber Camps primarily, watch the other armies' camps as needed."
If Bob was not speaking verbally, then Realmer will tell Carston what Bob said and that Napoleon is on the way now. Realmer will look over 1st Cohort's Camp one last time to assure all is ready for inspection.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Boney walks into the Amber camps. Walking though the camp he inspects various elements before walking into the mess hall. He examines it in detail before walking over to Realmer.
"Quite a display of magic, Cohort commander. Is that facility for all the Amber cohorts or yours in particular?" He walks by, clearly not expecting an answer.
"You seem to have quite a lot of pointed sticks. I assume you will use them to establish a perimeter wall and sleeping structures? " He walks on to Dandril's cohort. and speaks to him briefly.
Walking back to Realmer, "Very well... report?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"General; the Mess Hall is for all of Amber's Cohorts. I considered it a necessary use of Magic for several reasons; saving limited resources, a central place to prepare and store food in a defensible location and large enough to handle the large influx of meat our army is about to get."
"We have allied with the Dragonriders for a hunt; 5 days march east of here is a field of sweet melons and a herd of nearly 1000 hip pigs. Our forces and theirs will be transported on dragonback to areas surrounding the field, a four hour flight. The sharpened wooden poles are to be used as pig spears; any that survive the hunt will be used around the perimeter in weak security areas."
"I have assigned my Familiar, Bob, as Communications Master so that all the Cohort Commanders can remain in contact; his powers are Trump Based. He has also been assigned as Over Watch for the Amber Camps."
"I have assigned 33 Fort as my 2nd in command and Strategic Advisor. I have assigned 32 Tesa to gather Stealth Warriors, 10 per Cohort; they will be remaining behind to guard the Camps during the hunt."
"I have made contact with Commander T'Fanal of the Kanzari Kzinti 5th Clan; he informs me his Clans are pushing east and northeast, then plan to move towards the plains to the north; they have invited Amber's Armies to join them when we arrive there... I promised nothing."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He nods. "I see. Few of the previous Amberites have had competitive combat magics. Oberon was never a fan of magic in the hands of others. " He looks at the kitchen.." I could have used that outside Moscow... Of course, I could have used a nuke too. I just spoke to the commander of the Blue Hand Orcs because of their conflict with one of your cohorts. Pity I am not allowed to bounce people home on day one.. Some troops never understand the point of this place. Watch out for them. So the dragons saw the pig herd.. that's predictable. I'll tell you this. Between here and there are at least two weapon cache's and flying over them will make them nearly impossible to find. But food is a priority. "
" You have 300 days to reach the other side of the continent. Foe bands are in place. We had a donation recently as a new client nation has requested the Adledrossians to allow them access to the training facility. They would make the 13th client nation. They donated 12 Mandalay stones for the next 10 sessions. Those stones are up for grabs. I suspect their forces will be here next session. There is an applicant observing now ready to pay the weight for his elite forces. They would be the 14th and I don't like their look at all.""
Fort asks, "Who are these client nations. if I might ask, mon General?"
He nod, looking over the pig poles, "The 13th nation accepted is the Kingdom of York. Their ruler Tolknor paid 5000 Mandalay stones. His ah.. Total Warriors, I believe, will be here next session. The other is the Empire of Azcala. They have offered 2000 Mandalay stones as well as 20,000 Red crystal power focuses. I have voted against them but mine is a single voice and I'm not on the Adledross Council"
Fort say, "Merde.....I'm a Total Warrior...Field Captain, but still. figures that as soon as Tolknor could get his troops past the locked Shade level he would expand. And I don't like the idea of Azcalans training here one bit."
Fort chuckles, "Alex is going to shit. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Thank you for the information about the weapons caches, General. I am sure the Kanzari Kzin will find them first; if so, we might be able to trade with them... I did give them information about the pigs location and Commander T'Fanal seemed reasonable enough."
"And General, thank you for speaking with the Blue Hand Orc's Commander; I heard about the incident... my Familiar was directly involved, and I really don't want any more problems with them. But we will keep our eyes on them."
"And I am in total agreement with both of you; I don't like the idea of Azcalans training here either. And I will make sure King Random hears of it as soon as I return to Amber." Realmer looks thoughtful for a moment, then asks: "General; did you say there is an Applicant from Azcala here, now, observing our training? May I ask who?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"a king of some sort.. Zictalas and his wife, sister I think, Zent...something, I believe. There are two others, Azcona, their son, and a wizard of some kind, Xoxol, Scary creatures..I'd rather fight them then speak to them. But that's not how the Adledross do things. I understand Amber will be or is at war with Azcala. Pity Benedict already has a Bonaparte on his staff. "
He nods, "Very well. Carry on. You are cleared to proceed. "
He looks to fort and speaks in french to him. Fort and he goes back and forth. then Boney nods, salutes with the baton and heads off down the line.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort waits till Boney is out of camp-"He told me the Kzin are far north of the two caches.. He said one is a few hours between here and the melons in a straight line. the other a good way south of the straight line, halfway. One is weapons, the other is cold weather gear."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Did he mention which was which? Doesn't matter. Do you think it likely the Treba Cursis or the Reskara would find those caches first, if we don't send out our teams now? Or do you think it can wait until after the hunt? I don't want to spread our troops out too much. Maybe we leave another... 4 fireteams of 10 each behind, as well as the 5 fireteams guarding the camps... send 2 fireteams each to each cache. Thoughts, Fort?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
" Depends how much we trust the dragon riders. I thought Roland a little smarmy and Boney put the same restriction on him as he did on Alexandir. that's telling. they have not done anything to warrant distrust and it is day fucking one anyway. If they are going to snake us it won't be for a month at least. So.. I suggest we get them to slow their flight on the pigs to give us a chance to spot the caches from the air. A few hundred dragons, riders and Amberits is a lot of eyes from the sky. A weapons cache and a clothing cache? Probably sizable. Knowing where they are possibly, thanks to the Prisoner of Elbe, gives us a much better chance to spot them.. and.. my sight is good. My wife may not be here but I still have her visual acumen. If its down there, we'll find it. Also, I can think of a dozen Amberites from Rasak that are jungle-woodland types. We have the dragons drop them a few hours in, let them do the ground work'
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Excellent idea, Fort. And I'm sure the Dragonriders will agree if we cut them in on the caches. Make it so."
Realmer pauses a moment, looking thoughtful. "As well as the Camp Guards Tesa is gathering and in charge of.... I would also like one Commander to remain behind here at Camp. I will volunteer to stay as I have already ridden on a Dragon, so there is no thrill there for me. And though I have not been on a hunt of this size, I feel my versatile resources and direct link to our Over Watch would be better suited here."
"Fort, gather 1st Cohort and the spears and head to the Dragonriders' Camp. If you see Tesa before I do, send her and her fire teams my way."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"While thats charmingly noble, you should lead the raid for the amberites. As a royal the other cohorts will defer to you anyway. Let Carston stay. he's a good egg. And he has experience killing Orcs, I can assure you. You need to be there as much to keep Roland from making decisions."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"You are my Strategic Advisor, consider me advised. Let Carston know he will be staying. I'll be leaving Bob here too. Guess I'll be gathering the troops and spears..." Realmer trails off as he notices the teddy bear.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
A small plush looking knitted teddy bear walks up to Realmer after Boney leaves.
"Pardon the interruption...."


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer is always wary of cute things; especially very cute things.... they always feel like a trap of some sort. So, Realmer is wary, but friendly. He turns to the teddy bear and nods his head.
"Well Met. I am Relmopator, 1st Cohort Commander. How may I help you?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Commander Andala of the Nast Alat would like to invite your officers to dinner tonight, of roast Hare caught on the perimeter. He wishes to make a distinction our clan and the Blue Hand orcs that beached common community early in order to secure food...ah. in this case... your people.. No one was slain but we do not wish your animosity due to their actions. My lady is woefully angry at the blue Hand. Our regards.."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Your Commander's offer is appreciated and gladly accepted, provided our Commanders and officers are available come dinner time this evening. If we do not show, please do not take offense, we have much happening already and are unsure of our exact timetable. Your Commander's concerns and wishes to make distinction are admirable and again, appreciated. Please send my regards to Commander Andala, and your Lady. I will be in contact with Commander Andala later this day."
Realmer nods his head to the teddy bear.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Thank you, Lord Relmapator. my Lady, Commander Andala will be pleased. This is her Clan's first attendance at Adledross and she does not wish the Blue Hand to blacken the good regard of the Clan Nast Alat."
It bows and waddles off.
Fort-'Suddenly I'm feeling tired...hehehe"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer chuckles and says, "Well, no rest for the wicked. We have a long day ahead of us. Let's get the troops and spears gathered, make sure Tesa has her Stealth Camp Guards ready and move out to the Dragonriders camp."


====<big>Adledross: Hunting with Dragon Riders</big>====


The field before the Reen camp is filled with dragons. Thick bodied, well muscled, with long strong wings. Not fire-breathers but they clearly seem eager to use their teeth. 
Watching the dragons they seem to be stretching short wicked upper arms to adjust riding harness. They clearly are intelligent if not verbal. Sounds of eager growls and roars fill the area.
The warriors each have a 6' pole, shaved to a point. Each has at least one or two short cudgels. They seem somehow vulnerable out of armor, but as a race they seems strong and well muscled with massively strong looking legs. They have a tendency for short trimmed hair, shaven clean in the back. None have beards save mustaches which seem a common fashion. 
Count Roland stands behind a man nearly 9' tall with a crudely made maul. the tall man steps forward when Roland points Realmer out.
"Cohort Commander! I am Wing Leader Talodak. Well met by dragon light. We stand ready. Out entire flight will go. If other raid our camp they will find nothing. Our plan is to drop 5 miles from the clearing. We can fall great distances. If your people can not they will deed to cling to our warriors. Once we land, we will wait an hour till all the flights are delivered. Then we march. Our people will wait for my signal before attacking. We would like to try to secure 200 beasts. We have made a deal for 50 with the Horseman. A sign of good will with a future reciprocity. I suggest if the Amberites offer a similar sum they will receive the same future reciprocity or we will be wroth with them. Does this suit our accord, as Count Roland earlier described?"

*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Wing Commander Talodak. I am 1st Cohort Commander Relmopator. Well met by moonlight and magic. We will be leaving a small contingent behind to guard our camp, as we have more than nothing to lose if raided again. Your plan for the hunt sounds solid and we agree to the culling of extra beasts and the sharing of them with the Horsemen. However, I would like to add to the plan slightly and add a two pronged side mission to take place at the same time."
"I have information that there are two caches between here and the melon fields; one weapons, the other heavy clothing. If your Dragons fly low and slow, our combined efforts should be able to spot these caches from the air. One is directly in our path, a few hours march from here, the other about halfway to the field, but much further south. We have some troops specialized in heavily wooded areas that could be dropped, with a few of your men, to find and secure these caches for Amber's Cohorts and Anzara Reen's Wings to split evenly. We can pick them up on the way back."
"A slight addition to the hunt; once we have culled our beasts and harvested the melons we desire, please leave enough melons behind to draw the remaining pigs back to the area once we have left. I have made an agreement with the Kanzari Kzin; they will pass near that area in a couple of days and I told them of the hip pigs. They will trade what they find with us fairly and if they reach the Northern Plains first, will share prime space with Amber and Anzara Reen. Do we still have an Accord, Wing Commander?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He starts to look to Roland, but Fort, on your other side says Loudly, "Golly! Are those real dragons? I only heard of them in fairy tales!!! Do wee really ride on them?"
Talodak looks at Fort in surprise. Roland stutters as he looses the moment to object.. "Ah.. yes,, they are real dragons and we will fly on them.... ah... Yes, Commander, weapons and clothes would be welcome. Our forces had intended to visit the orc band after the dragons had finished with them. It may be orc made but its edged weapons and armor till we find better.. It get cold in the air o clothes are welcome too. A fair split-clothes, weapons planted and Orcish. While my men could carry many weapons I suggest we restrict arms to one apiece till both companies are at least armed. Extras split evenly. I have no love for the Kzin, and my great-uncle Roland even less love for them. But if we are filled with meat, melon, weapon and clothes, let the Kzin know they are welcome to what we leave behind'
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Despite a lack of love for the Kzin, we are on good terms with them now; let us take advantage of that while we can. The plan is sound. A fair split; we have an Accord."
Realmer extends his hand to Talodak, but he guards his Psyche against intrusion when they shake hands.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
HE shakes quickly and turns, "MOUNT!!!!!! Commander I have a dragon that is large for it kind. I understand you have a giant? "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes. ALEXANDIR!" Realmer calls out. When he arrives. "Talodak, Alexandir; our giant."
"Amber Cohorts! Pair up with a Rider and mount up!" Realmer shouts. He picks a Rider that is not Roland but makes an Amber Hand Sign to Fort to pair up with him (Roland)... followed by a wink.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort puts his hand on Roland's bicep. "Oh y lord, id\s your dragon strong enough to carry me and someone as strong a virile as you?"
Roland scowls at Fort and turns to hurriedly follow the quick man, asking him questions and sticking to him till they mount the dragon. Fort slips up in front of Roland at first but Roland pulls him by the arm roughly and throws him behind. Fort squeals.
the dragon take to the air in moments
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Flying fast and with good coordination Tal leads the dragon slower and low after a time the dragons over out to make several rows of dragons the riders start looking below as do passengers.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The ground troops are lowered and begin ground spaced out because of their few numbers
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The ground looks heavily overgrown with vegetation but seems maneuverable with effort.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tal sees something and wheels the dragon north. Flying to another rider thy hover.
The rider point to his rider, a native Amberite, ho signs to Relmopator that below is a structure...
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer signs back that he will investigate, then dives off the back of the Dragon and Shape Shifts into his Avatar/Animal Form; a very large vulture. He brings up the Pattern and looks through its lens as he glides down, he focuses on the area below the dragons. He continues to fly down to the tops of the trees in the area below the hovering dragons. He looks for a building and any guards or signs of troops near it.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
There is a haphazard pile of bricks about 8"x"8"x 3". A rough estimate is a pile of maybe 3000 of them.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smells the air with his increased vulture olfactory senses, searching for signs of creatures near by or the smell of metal or oil. If he deems it safe, he will land and Shape Shift to his Human Form and look around the pile of bricks.... there must be more here than meets the eye.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The smell of oiled metal is strong beneath the bricks. He figures that t a thiird of the way below the bricks
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks to the sky between the foliage, when he meets the eyes of the Amber soldier he Signed with before, he will Sign to him that the weapons have been found. Then Realmer will pick through the bricks until he reaches the weapons caches... hoping to get first pick.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The Soldat spreads the word and the dragons start converging.
Realmer removes probably 30 bricks when he hears a click followed by a thousand sword and 2970 brick erupting into the air around him at if the whole pile had been under immense pressure. The hoard rushes up as if shot from a cannon. Buffeting him with blades and bricks, bashing him around in sudden violence.
Smashing against a tree, his lack of bad stuff keeping the sword pinning him to a tree only cutting his chest not impaling it. hanging there in the sound of swords and bricks falling back to the ground he figures his enthusiasm over rode his normal care and caution. A well-learned lesson to lay at Benedict's feet someday,
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Ouch" Realmer groans. He allows his Shape Shifting to take care of closing the open wound as he slowly and carefully pulls the sword out and to stop any internal bleeding from the bricks, then he just sits with his back to the tree, laughing at himself and his folly.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dragon riders and troops start dropping to the ground. Their massive legs bending on landing. They start getting organized and sorting the broadswords and fighting dagger out .
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort looks at you, the sword in your hand, the ripped clothes, and the scattered debris.
"I gather you are...attached ..to that blade? So, pressure trap..now we know. Let me look at the next cache..its a specialty of mine.."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Oh, no. If you want it, it's yours." Realmer drops the sword and laughs a bit more to cover his pain.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Roland comes over after a few minutes. "Looks like 1100 broad blades. 800 daggers. and around 6000 bricks. We don't need bricks but you might for building material. We can leave them here for now and get them later. We should be armed shortly. Considering this collection I am more certain then ever that seeking the next cache is a good idea.'
Fort nods, "Lets ask Wing leader Tal what he thinks, yes?"
Roland scowls with a grudging smile, "Oh by all means"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer grabs the bloody blade he just dropped and uses it to get to his feet slowly, then says, "We don't really need the bricks, but may take them if time and weight permit on the return trip. I agree that seeking the next cache is a good idea" he looks to Roland and nods, "And that we should seek the counsel of Wing Commander Talodak" he nods to Fort, "before making hasty decisions."
Realmer turns to Fort, "And feel free to check all caches, if traps are your specialty, for they are not mine. But I should have known better. But in my own defense; it has been over a hundred years since I was a dungeon delving adventurer."
He chuckles again at his folly, then winces in pain, then laughs some more.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He nods, "the lessons of our youth are often the ones forgotten first."
Roland nods, " yes, small wounds heal fast, but may be forgotten hardest. Especially wounds against ones vanity. " he makes a hand sign to a rider who runs to where Tal and Dand are sorting and passing out blades.
Tal comes over with a hand full of daggers. "Commander, these are fine blades. We shall have 150 broadblades extra. I propose we match each with a dagger though not all of ours will have them. I've asked your Companion commander to lead a squad of riders to sight the next cache, though not to approach it. I've detail one wing rider& Amberites to swing North and sight the Kzin and another to sight the far orc band. All should be armed soon." He waits on Realmer's responds but casts a wide eye at Roland who briefly nods approval . He offers daggers around. Fort takes two daggers and passes on a broad blade.
Fort-"Wing leader, Cohort commander, with your permissions, I'll take my dragon-driver and join the advance. "
Roland looks about to say something else but catches a look from Fort and just smiles, flipping a dagger around a hand casually.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort-"Roland, sweety, do I have these right?" He runs through a dozen hand signs..
Roland scowls, "Yes, sweetbread, Up, Down, Check Below, Check the skyline ahead, drop passenger,, and the rest...You picked those up after seeing them perhaps once each?"
Fort nods, "Its my profession...knowing things, and drinking"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Roland-"you seem to have lots of professions."
Fort nods, "Well I change it every thousand years. Its what thrice crowned bards do. We are collectors."
Roland looks at Fort hard, as if in many ways seeing him for the first time. "Thrice crowned bard? For the love of the Blue God, you are really a Thrice Crowned Bard?"
He looks at Realmer. "truly?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer addresses Roland: "As far as all the stories and rumors I have heard about Fort; yes, it's true."
Then he address Fort: "Our childhood lessons are usually the first to be forgotten; especially lessons like, sharing, working together and listening to our Elders and Leaders."
Realmer then turns to look at Roland and says, "I find wounds to my vanity to be the lessons I remember best, regardless of size. It is bad enough to do something foolish, but worse when it is witnessed... like today's little incident. I will surely not forget this day or this lesson; ever."
Realmer turns to Tal: "There should be 100 extra broad blades; don't forget the 50 still in my camp in need of weapons... but I think not all will take swords... But we can sort that out once we're back at Camp. In regards to my Champion; if you are referring to Alexandir, he is prohibited from leadership roles. Assign one of your men to lead the mission but allow Alex to accompany. He may give advice, but he is not to lead; Boney's direct orders. The rest sounds solid. Fort, you may accompany the wing to the advance. Good job on the Hand Signs... I watched Gangdis to the same to Hagalta's troops during a battle drill. And I once knew a Dwarf named Lannister that drank and knew things.... or so he thought."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort mumbles, "well we have the same order for Count Roland here. Advise, not lead. He is only allowed to lead a mission if it is comprised of him only. I also understood the same regarding your giant. I was more concerned with the dragon to bear him then the role in command. It said the fastest dragon may not be the leader but he reaches the battle first. Also, he has made it clear he need not ride the back of one of my men in the fall. He says he is a god of war and can fall from the stars and land on the ground ready to fight. Such men are double edged daggers, are they not? I propose dropping dropping everyone some miles out, to surround the pigs. Then once battle is engaged have your giant and Count Roland drop with a cadre into the middle."
fort, "have to remember that when Alex is onboard a Star Fleet ship. "
Tal-"Also I was including your troops in the blade disposition. We have 150 extra after everyone that wishes gets a broad blade. But once we collect the orc arms we can split things better. We are armed. Sub-commander Fort. Find your rider and tell him to find my scouting wing seeking the other Cache, with your commander's permission of course."
Fort nod, starts to lave, "Oh, Commander Realmer, bear this in mind. These guys can jump and land from over 100 feet. Turns out they can leap from the ground to the air that high too. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer listens to Talodak talk and nods. He looks to Fort and smiles, then says "I knew about the falling, but not the jumping. Thank you and Good Fortunes on your mission."
Realmer turns to Tal as Fort leaves. "I had also thought to have you drop the men some distance out to surround the herd, but dropping Alex and a cadre with him in the middle after the herd is surrounded is an excellent addition. And in regards to Alex and men like him; they are indeed double edged. The problem is they are used to command but haven't truly learned what it is to be a soldier. To be a good commander, one must first learn how to be a good soldier. And to be a good soldier, one must know what it is to be a commander. Alex and Roland are learning the first one here and now. I believe I am here to learn the second, as back in Amber, I would surely not be commanding forces. In my youth I was an Adventurer, later a Shadow Traveler, then after I arrived in Amber, a cloistered Bookworm, then most recently, an Ambassador. I was never a soldier or a leader, but I knew I would need this course in order to survive what I feel is to come, and I knew I could survive it, as I have survived many other painful and torturous things during my Adventuring Years, and those were lessons I have not forgotten."
Realmer is silent for a moment, then looks Tal in the eyes. "This is our time to Command, Talodak, let us make good use of it. Your plan is solid, let us move to the hunt."
Realmer looks for his Dragonrider, first on the ground, then in the air.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Fort showed he knew our hand signs. It might be good for all your troops to learn them for the future. And most of us can't jump that high. But a man must jum at least 40 ' to qualify to become a rider. Otherwise there is no point in trying. Pig for dinner."
he goes and leaps into his harness, pulling the Amberite up behind him.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
flying forward hand signs pass the information that a high flier has spotted the herd and they are in place. Realmer's dragon rider leans back, "We're going to circle here. The left, right groups will be in position in a couple moments. Far side a few after that. Grab me on shoulder harness and wrap your legs around me now. When I go I shall twist left, and fall back. You will be below me for a few seconds. Do not let go. I'll spin hard against the fall to right my feet. If you panic of try to move your hands or feet it might unbalance me. Its a short flight to camp, don't be eager to get there through resurrection. Ready?"
Once Realmer is in place he feels the rider move and the fall begins. It 60' just above the treetops. Falling through the tips of branches isn't pleasant but it does no damage. He lands on his feet and helps Realmer to his.
Once Realmer is in place he feels the rider move and the fall begins. It 60' just above the treetops. Falling through the tips of branches isn't pleasant but it does no damage. He lands on his feet and helps Realmer to his.
"I was told to follow the Amber Commander's orders. We are 5 miles out. A short run. We shall know the twist of the wind once we are a few hundred yards away."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smiles and says, "That was fun. OK, spread out for a wide formation, but keep it as tight as the terrain and foliage allows. Lead the way and move out."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
While running, Realmer allows his Shape Shifting to naturally assist, i.e.; increased lung capacity, longer legs, larger heart, etc. He paces the men, staying near the front and center of the running formation. He keeps his wits and senses about him as he runs with Amberites and Anzara Reen alike.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
When they slow, nearing the melon patch and hip pigs, Realmer will enhance his Senses, specifically, smell and hearing and remain in the Running Form as this hunt is sure to involve a lot of it.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Reaching the patch,, a few hindered yards away, the smell is one familiar with pig farmers but somehow thicker. The beasts seem agitated and feisty though gorging themselves on the melons. Those seem 2' across and colored like watermelons in blue. The seem shoulder height, making calling them hip pigs a bit deceiving.
Your rider says, the teams are ready on your mark. He will signal the riders to drop the Giant and Count Roland
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer watches the hip pigs a few moments, wondering if it is the nearness of the troops or something else that has them agitated. He gives the order, but keeps his eyes and ears open for other threats.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Realmer looks up and sees a tiny dot just out of visual range. it grows faster as it falls a terminal velocity. It falls silently and lands with a loud thump. Count Roland jumps off the back of King Alexandir kos Korag. Without armor or magics he moves faster then any person Realmer has ever seen in combat. two giant lumpy cudgels lay waste to the hip pigs, each hit throwing it 30 yards away with a swat, to lay dead on the ground. Roland moves away and lays in with a broadsword in each hand and his killing is skilled and quick, but overshadowed by the Saint of Battle.
Shocked first, the pigs flee. Alex chases after, trying to outrun them and lay into them as he passes. Each one that his mauls touch falls dead. The herd scatters all directions and in moments is rushing those in concealment.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer gives the order to attack at the moment just before the pigs enter the trees, forcing them back into the clearing and into each other.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Drive them back! Keep them from escaping into the woods! Steady advance! Do not break the line! Kill what you can, but Drive Them Back!!"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
as a line of a dozen are charging directly toward him, Realmer sees a dagger stick hard in the side of the head of one, making it fall forward and roll. A tan blur lands on the back of one, gabs its tusks over its head and tugs it hard to the side, causing 3 to tr dancing away but stumble I a pile.
Beside Realmer two Amberites and a dragon rider foot spears to the ground and level them at charging beasts. the Dragonrider and One Amberite score chest spikes that drive the blunt points deep in the beast chests. The other Amberite's pig avoids the point and crashes into the man, sinking a tusk in his stomach. With all his strength he punches a dagger into its neck causing it to thrash briefly, trying to toss the man whose strength is enough to withdraw the blade repeatedly and sink it deep several times before it dies.
Two are charging Realmer.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
With the broad sword already tightly gripped in his right hand, Realmer raises it over his head while pointing his left index finger at the pig on the left, his thumb raised, he drops his thumb to his index finger and releases a Power Gesture; Neural Disrupt, hoping the beast will stumble and fall. Realmer then focuses his attention on the pig on the right, dodging to his right to avoid the pig and its tusks, putting the pig on the left side of him, he then twists his body to the left, bringing the broad blade down, hard and fast, on the back of the pigs neck.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
the pig falls dead as the next one crashes sideways into Realer. Jumping back his second shot, battered and bruised he steps forward to meet the third.
Beside him a trooper levels a bloody tipped pole and takes the next one, pulling it over his head to fall thrashing behind him he pulls his sword in time to throw a glancing shot as it rushes over him. Its jaw hanging lose, as the Amberite rolls with it and wraps the pommel to its head, stilling it. He stands and smiles at Realmer-"Looks like roast pig for dinner, eh!!? " Laughing, he looks for more rushing,
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer laughs along with the soldier, both at his zeal for the hunt and his own realization that he is enjoying this; the rush of it. He laughs louder and shouts "ROAST PIG FOR DAYS!!!!" Then rushes the next beast, taking advantage of the Running Form his body is still in, striding and springing, dodging and evading, leaping and spinning, slashing and hacking, blood flying, pigs squealing.
The smell of blood and rise in his adrenaline bring back memories of his years as a Vampyr... he begins shifting to his Chaos Form; winged Nosferatu vampire-looking creature... long sharp talons on hands and feet, long fangs, leathery wings, hardened skin. Realmer is barely aware he has done this, but realizes this Form is far better suited to combat so continues hunting taking full advantage of this Forms capabilities.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort leaps off a pig he was standing on the back of, riding it like a surf board.. "Commander!!! Our side is looking like 30. If the others are doing as well that's 120, and friggin Alex and Roland look like they got a solid 50 between them. Permission to go check on the Orc battle!?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Permission granted!" Realmer calls back to Fort as he leaps into the air, flapping his wings hard to gain a little height to get a better view of the field of battle, to get a quick count of dead pigs and to look for his next prey to dive upon with sword and claws.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort fly up beside you, big feather wings lifting him, "Hey one other thing.. Boney and a few other swells are flying off to our left. They have a forgetfulness spell on them so people looking at them see them while they are looking but forget it after they look away. its pretty powerful and I imagine I'm the only one it doesn't effect. I can't be forced to forget anything. So bear it in mind."
He races off east at a speed that rivals the dragons.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer nods his head to Fort then focuses on the herd. He calls out orders to keep the troops near him moving forward, he uses Hand Signs to communicate with those farther away. He keeps them moving into the clearing, pushing the herd back to the center allowing for more opportunities for kills.
Realmer will dive onto any pig or pigs that are about to overrun or severely injure a soldier, slashing or stabbing as needed.
Once it looks like they have more than 200 dead pigs, Realmer will shout out as loud as he can: "SOLDIERS!!! CEASE COMBAT!!! WE HAVE REACHED OUR GOAL!!! LET THE PIGS RUN!!!"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Such orders are not immediate and some fights take time to finish as some pig stay to fight and others flee.
As the combat finishes Realmer sees Tal issuing orders to a group of both sides of troops, He waves to have you come down.
Alex and Roland are in the center laughing. They each have half a watermelon and are dripping in pig blood.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer flies down and Shapes Shifts back to his Adask (human) Form. He grabs a melon from the ground and cracks it open and enjoys the sweet pulp as he walks up to Talodak.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tal smiles-"That was surprisingly messy. I've ordered wounded pigs slain and got some of my men dressing the beasts out. We usually leave the entrails for our dragons, taking heart, liver for our food and taking intestines for sausage but this isn't a normal situation. The dragons will be full. I do have a number of riders who will want the chunks to make sausage. Culinary types, you know.. Anyway, I suggest you detail one of the cohort commanders to take charge of your troops in this clean up. My second, Jusat over there will tell them how to bundle meat for transport. Funny thing is that it might be the melons we have the most trouble with. "
He bites deeply into the melon with it unusual taste for him.
'Also I know we couldn't find the second cache and came here to get this over. I suggest we detail a few riders and your troopers to go look again now that time isn't an issue."
"I saw you have wings... So offering to have you backsaddle with me isn't necessary. Would you like to fly with me to check on the Orc battle?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer takes a few more bites of melon as he listens and thinks...
"The men could stuff the organs to be kept into the cleaned out intestines. The melons could be stuffed into the emptied out body cavities' of the pigs. Also, tunics could be removed, tied off and filled with melons."
Realmer calls over the nearest Amberite Soldier. "Soldier. Find Commander Traxton and let him know he is in command of the clean up and gathering. Tell him to have the pigs taken to Sub-commander Jusat" Realmer points to the man, "for proper field dressing instructions. Pass the word to gather melons and put them in tied off tunics and the cleaned out pig carcasses."
Realmer calls over another soldier. "Soldier. Find Commander Kablin and tell him to team up with a Dragonrider and take a detail to search for the second cache. Tell the Commander to make sure he has a Trapfinder with him."
Realmer turns to Talodak. "I will take wing with you, Commander. To the Orc Battle."
Realmer Shifts into his Chaos Form and takes flight.


====<big>Adledross: Space Orcs, Preparations and Percy</big>====


The air is cool as Tal leads the way. an hour of flight time finds pandemonium in the air over the site of the orc battle. Dragons all look bloodied and flying high in a hovering position licking wounds. 
Fort is flying firing some kind of large firearm at the ground while dodging attack from the ground. 
Seeing you approach he wings over signing for you both not to approach.
Fort-"Well its a jolly clusterfuck down there. Glad you are here. We have about 80 dead dragons and the living ones are pissed. There are about 200 over in hover that are too injured to fight. the rest are down there. Commander Tal, order them out.. Lets regroup and bring the rest of the troops here. When we were told there was an orc band we were not told they are some kind of heavily armored space orcs."
He hands over the nail gun. "I've seen these before. Total Warriors use something similar. Clockwork, fire about 2 a second, has a clip of about 2000 nails, thin, high carbon steel, razor edged and needle pointed. Fuckers go through like butter. I took 30 or so hits myself before I realized what they are. About 1 in 20 has a flame thrower with about 200 meter range. that's what took most the dragon when they attacked. Now they are ground fighting and pissed off purple. I'd say there were about 2000 orcs.. The dragons didn't think to not attack as ordered. I tried talking to them but I've known smarter tax assessors"

*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I agree with my Sub-Commander; withdraw all troops and regroup. A stronger attack force may be needed... but I have a couple of Spells that could be quite efficacious if friendly forces can be removed from the area. Regardless of the effectiveness of my Spells, I still recommend we call for reinforcements now."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tal nods and makes a piercing shrill whistle with 3 fingers. Its eyes & mindbogglingly loud.
The dragon hovering hear and fly that way. The ones below rise slowly, unwilling to leave the fight or to brave the renewed weapon fire.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tal turns and leads the wing back, noting the absences. "Hra, Junt, Ctas, damn...... We better hope bound companions resurrect or I'll have some pissed of riders. "
Fort-"They are on the run toward the melons. That should cut the turn around time. They are carrying their dead or id go back and collect nail guns"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Though Realmer's Familiar is far away, its Extraordinary Psychic Sense can allow it to communicate across a world, and its Trump Powers across Shadow... when Realmer calls, Bob will hear. Realmer reaches out with his Psyche and speaks aloud.
"Bob! Message relay to Commanders Dandilar, Traxton and Kablin on the Pig Hunt. 'Commanders. We are returning from the Orc Battle; it did not go well. They are heavily armored Space Orcs with Nail Guns and Flame Throwers; they are on the move towards the melon patch. Finish securing the provisions quickly, prepare all Cohorts and Wings for battle then take to the air and meet us along the way.' End message."
Realmer calls out to Fort and Tal; "You heard the message relay. Now I am going to calculate the best place to lay a deadly cloud of death upon them."
Realmer then Shifts into his Vulture Form to conserve energy and take advantage of the thermals and winds. He gauges the wind direction and wind speed, calculating the best place to launch his Cloudkill Spell as he watches the terrain below and the path of the trailing Space Orc Band, trying to get as many as possible when he does launch the spell. Realmer is not looking to cast his spell immediately, but when the conditions and terrain are optimal. When this time comes, he will Shift to his Chaos Form so he can Cast his Warlock Spell; Cloudkill.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
After a few minutes bob relays -"Commander Dandilar wants to speak to you directly. can I open to connect /"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, Bob. Connect Dandilar with me."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dandilar appears in the trump image.-"We can meet these orcs as they come here and set an ambush or we can pin them down and attack. I have a trooper who wants to drop in the middle of them and make them attack him long enough for us to hit the orcs in the rear. Realmer, I'm kind of looking forward to seeing what finally kills him here."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer wings over near Tal and Fort, altering his Vulture voice box to allow speech, then responds to Dandilar aloud.
"Commander Dandilar; it will take too long for the Orcs to arrive at the melon patch; I would rather eliminate them as soon as possible and reap their resources. Bring the forces to us. We can circle a large number behind them then drop Alex on them from on high... I too would like to see just how foolhardy and impervious he really is. By the time you join us, their numbers should be thinned out some more... I have a couple of Spells in mind that affect large areas."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
In less then an hour the flight of dragons is winging in to the patch to collect their riders, There is something of an urgency as the dragons wing down.
Fort says, "this is kind of a mess but I'm suddenly concerned about the other cache. I think I should go see if I can find it, Commander. I think the full force should be able to handle the orcs"
As the dragons fly by the rider leap into the 60' range to intercept the dragons. they fly up and circle back lower and the dragons grab the Amberites and toss them behind. They race off toward the orcs. Dandilar waves in greeting, looking almost eager. Below the work of butchering is partially done and many melons are stacked but things looked interrupted for sudden reversal of fortunes. Alex is behind Roland now on hi dragon as the two fly fast. Roland waves to Realmer with a wide grin and a sword n hand.
The flight goes wide as you commanded and come in to lay in behind. half way in the flanking maneuver Roland and Alex turn and head for the force together.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
As the Forces approach the Space Orcs, Realmer gauges the wind again and calculates the extreme distance that he can cast the spell, then releases Cloudkill on the Orcs, any wind hopefully carrying the cloud into more orcs.
By the time Roland and Alex are ready to drop onto the Space Orcs the Cloudkill should have dissipated enough to keep from harming them. Realmer gives the Hand Sign for them to drop.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The flights sort out and ready for the attack, this time not dropping troops to the ground before hand. Arcing in, Tal calls for the attack.
Sighting the forested area the battle is in, the dragons pull wing in for a tight circling plummet.
Alex and Roland are in a burning clearing. Roland shoulders a flame thrower and Alex swing wildly with maul-like cudgels. The ring of death and burning trees in almost 100 meters across. Bodies strewn It looks like a third of the force has lost morale and is fleeing.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The dragons land in the groups, dropping Amberites who boldly draw blades. The Orcs have size and swiftness but possibly Chaos str. The dragons and riders start tearing among the shocked orcs trying to flee the madmen in the center.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer stays in the air coordinating attacks with the ground and air forces, attempting to force the Orcs into a squeeze between our forces. Realmer will dive in and attack with broad blade and claws where needed to fill a hole or save a soldier.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The battle goes on for a time but in the end the orcs expand all their fire fuel and most of the nail ammunition and are forced to depend on edged weapons. The Amberites mostly have str, End, & war in the 1 to 10 range and can out fight them given time.
The dragons& riders are well, dragons, and absent the fire and nail guns are hard to kill with the riders in the Chaos ranger for str and endurance,
As the battle ends and Amberites and riders start looking things over the dragons all take wing.
Tal comes over, "A hard fight but memorable.. My wing has gone to collect the dead at the other field. Some riders with them will sort and collect arms and armor, such as they are, and fly directly back to camp. Our casualties here will be taken back as well. I assume your customs include burial but how that works here I don't know. I believe the dead will resurrect at camp..this being our first day I suppose we will know soon. to that end we will convey the Amber dead as well. I suggest assembling arms and armor here for transport then returning to the melon field for the pigs. "
Alex is sitting on a pile of Dead, cradling Roland in his arms. Roland looks horribly wounded, covered in blood and gore, burn marks and bit marks. Alex looks bloody and gore spattered as well but doesn't have a scratch on him.
As Tal & Realmer approach Alex looks up, "I've healed him as much as possible. Fort has better skills like that though its a question if they will work if my own clericals don't function. Fort is a Quad Bard...and has not touched the world stone so perhaps his will function. Roland fought bravely...I have been told I may not make saints here, but today he earned it. Its been ages since I fought in a battle like that.. reminds me of my youth....before Tolknor....well.. Thank you."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
When Tal comments about 'your customs include burial', he is tempted to make a dark joke, but decides this is not the time or place for macabre Necromantic humor.
"Alex, I am sorry; there is nothing I can do for Roland. I do not have healing magics, I only have Necromantic Magics. And the spell I do have that might help would required a living healthy enemy for it to work...."
Realmer trails off. He knows that Death is a part of Life and a big part of Combat and War. Realmer silently says a Death Prayer for Roland, so that his body will perish quickly and his Soul will go where it must.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Considering the severity of his wounds, it might be better to let him die and be resurrected. I mean, I could cast Stone Binding on him, and suspend all time for his body, then we could take him back to camp for healing, but..." Realmer trails off again. "His wounds are severe. He fought well. His actions this day will not be forgotten."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Alex stands. "This is true. All of it. But....I would consider it a favor if you stonebind him till we confirm the place works that way. At least till I can speak with Fort. We' have known each other only since coming to Rasak. I do not trust you, Benedict, or this place yet, I hope you understand. It would go a long way to establishing the kind of trust this place is supposed engender......Commander."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer does not hesitate, as he does not want Roland's condition to worsen; he releases Stone Binding upon Roland.
"It is done, Alexandir. He is 'frozen in time' until I release the Spell. Once we confer with Fort, we will know what more can be done. There is one other Necromantic Spell that I know that MIGHT heal some of Roland's wounds, but it will transfer them to me as well as drain my stamina for many hours up to a full day. And I will still have to heal the wounds I take from him. It is a dangerous spell, for me, and could almost kill me and might still not help Roland. But if Fort cannot help him, then I will try the spell once back at camp."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He nods. "when I argeed to come to this place, Rasak I mean, it was at Random's request that my powrs be limited to physical powers; strength, speed, endurance, memory..He had me promise not to use powers granted me by the World Stone. If I break that promise, he and I would both learn something about me. If the dead rise tomorrow, and Fort is unable to help him, then let him die, if his commander agrees. I must learn to trust Amberites and as yet I have met a few I like, but none I trust. None have given me a reason to trust them. Till today. That makes today unusual, to find two people I might possibly trust."
He pick up Roland and walks back to his dragon and leaps on it back.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The flight back includes a number of stops. securing orc weapons uncovers a large collection of bags used for treasure. Filling them with orc arms and armor, though the dragon riders do not think many of them will use them because of the size difference. Traxton mentions that the Raskara have orcs, they might trade for the stuff.
While filling bags with melon and meat Fort and the seekers of the second cache return.
F-"Well, we found the second cache. The Raskara claimed it. there were scraps of clothing and a big damn hole and blood splattered around the tree as well as chunks of..well, Dwarfs.. I must say these dwarves are unlike any others I've met when it comes to care for their dead. There were dead all around. Messy. Clerical magic doesn't work here so I used a magic spell to speak with the dead. What I got was one of their mages got them there because Boney gave them the location. and it blew up massively. I spoke to a couple and they said there were a lot of steel boxes underneath all the caltrops that exploded on them.
"Oh, and I have 20,000 caltrops. 4 prongs, about two inches long each. seeing how things are here, they might come in handy,"
"I take it there were complications with the orcs?"


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer sighs. "Tis a shame about the second cache, but at least it wasn't the weapons. And all those caltrops will certainly come in handy; very smart move collecting them, Fort."
Realmer sighs again. "And yes, we had some problems with the Orcs. They were like no Orcs I had ever seen; bigger, stronger... and green. They were heavily armored and carried high tech weapons; nail guns and flamethrowers. We lost some troops and a few dragons.... and we almost lost Roland. He is near dead; I cast a Stone Binding on him to 'freeze time on his body' until we could confer with you. But since you just said that Clerical Magic does not work here... then we have a decision to make."
Realmer sighs yet again, very deeply this time. "If he will be resurrected tomorrow, I can release the Binding and let him die. If he will not be resurrected... I could use a Necromantic Spell to transfer some of his wounds onto myself, healing him, after a fashion. The problem is... his wounds are so severe, the spell might not be enough to help him... and... though it will not kill me, it might get me close to death... and then I would have to be healed. But... it also might be enough to save his life and kick start his natural healing abilities and allow other non-magical forms of healing to work. But ultimately, the call lies with Roland's Commander."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"That a quandary. And..Alex, well, he can be difficult at the best of times. I suggest we get back to camp before we perform more esoteric magic. Lets us sort out the spoils and see if Roland has spoiled. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Agreed. Let's finish up here quickly and get moving before anything else untoward occurs. And let's get an official count on pigs and melons. I might need a few of each to barter with... I have a dinner meeting this evening with Commander Andala of the Nast Alat Clan of the Reskara... in fact, all Officers have been invited to attend. But first, let's get this all back to camp."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
In camp the Reen and the Amberites sort the butcher's bill.
Tal and Traxton come over to Realmer. The other commanders see them and come too.
Tal. "We lost 12 Amberites and 8 riders and 82 dragons. I blame myself for the dragons. I should have sent a rider to be able to make judgments on the foe. We can only hope they resurrect. Our injuries were numerous but manageable.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Let us hope they will all be resurrected. If not, it is our first loss and our first lesson. Commander Talodak, there is still the matter of Roland. If I don't release the Binding, he won't be resurrected. If I release the Binding and let him die... we are taking our chances on the resurrection. And then there is the matter of my Spell... which may not work or may not be enough, and it will certainly cause me harm... but I am willing to do it, IF we know the resurrections will not occur. It is your call, Commander Talodak."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tal-" on the other hand, Roland is there to give me that look. we took 310 carcasses, 1100 melons, 800 orc cleavers, 2800 assorted knives, a huge pile of orc armor beyond easy description, 200 nail guns and 30 empty fire weapons. Oh...20k caltrops. "
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tal looks at Fort. Fort shrugs. "I can't raise him but I can do similar magic to you, commander. But...I can channel through Alex and he might sustain the damage better then either of us. However we are supposed to trust the people who run this place. They must work or the houses of Amber would have a ton of dead over the years...and we have used a lot of magic on day one.... It's your call tal.
He ponders, "if you can make your giant take the wounds, let's see how it fares. I approve."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"In regards to the Flame Throwers... if there is a small of amount of fuel left in each tank, and all of it can be combined into one tank to fill it one quarter of the way full, I might be able re-fill all of them... maybe. Again, magic use. And speaking of which, Fort, I think we need to get all Magic Users together and have a talk with those in charge of this place. If this year of training is about integrating what we have learned here with what we knew before we came, then the use of Magic should be allowed here, with few limitations. I do not like the fact that I am being restricted in the uses of my Powers just because Oberon didn't like others to use Magic here and that his old rules and old way of thinking are still in use here. Magic is a tool to be used, just like this sword or this knife or that armor over there. I'm sure I am not the first Sorcerer to attend this place and I am sure I won't be the last; we must get those who run this place to understand that severely limiting the use of Magic here, and other Powers, is hobbling their soldiers and commanders. But that will be a talk for later."
"Let us divide the spoils, If you do not mind, Commander Talodak, I would like to offer the majority of the Orc armor to the Reskara in trade... minus any that could be used by our larger soldiers that want it. Me and my Officers have been invited to their camp by Commander Andala of the Nast Alat this evening for dinner. Commander Traxton, you're in charge of getting the foods to the Mess Hall in my camp; it is large enough to handle the cooking for all of our Cohorts. Commander Kablin, you're in charge of distributing the weapons and trying to salvage what 'fire fuel' you can from those canisters. Commander Carston, you're in charge of setting up a watch rotation of all Cohorts; I'd like Tesa's Stealth Troops rotated off of watch soon. I also suggest we set up sleep schedules and get some of our soldier some rest. Commander Dandilar, you're in charge of the wounded and establishing a medic station, if there is not one already. I will be in touch with all of you later about our visit to the Reskara camp. You have your assignments."
Realmer turns to Fort and Talodak, sighs and shakes his head. "I do have another spell that I could use to transfer the wounds to Alex, instead of myself, if he agrees to it. But, since I have cast a few spells this day and feel I am pushing my limits.... by this place's standards... Fort, perhaps you should cast the spell... since you have similar magics, and I have not seen you use much, if any, magic since we arrived. Let's get Alex and Roland and see if this works."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort nods, "Ya, Alex will be a little less Alex-like if I do the spell. I'll go take care of it. "
Tal-"As for the food, your kitchen is better designed to process the meat into usable quantities. Once its prepped we have the dragons to smoke it for preservation. Let us agree to have dinner tomorrow night, with our commanders, to discuss the advance. I believe it is in our best interest to work together. Our people will not wear the armor, mainly because it won't fit, so I have no objection to bartering the lot. I will speak to you in the morning. I have dragons to morn and to hope will revive. If they revive, in those bodies, well and good. If they resurrect in a new body, leaving the old ones in the field then we have a multitude of meat, bone, and leather to tend and perhaps to barter. Many races like dragon skulls and we are not sentimental about the dead. In our realms they are memorialized in another way. It has been a exciting day."
Tal nods, hakes hand with commanders and Fort and leaves to his camp.
Fort-"I'll go tend Roland. Do you want me to hold the camp while you sup with the neighbors?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer agrees with Tal on all points and shakes his hand firmly before he departs. Then he turns to Fort.
"I have a little time before I have to gather the other Commanders and leave, but yes; take Command of the Camps while we are gone. I will also want to take a small contingent of well armed guards with us... to show our strength and just in case there is trouble."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Well, I remember once when Alex attended a formal feast of a thousand enemy royalty and nobility after they had a group of their premier warriors and wizards attempt to kill him. He refused healing and brought the corpses into the feast hall. He took the seat next to the king after killing a royal cousin to make room at the high table. He hadn't been expected to attend. oh.. but the Rakara might take that wrong....I suggest 2 bodyguards per cohort commander. And Tesa is still in the field. If you have a trump for her, id suggest bringing her."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, I have no intention of Alex attending, as a guard or otherwise, this is supposed to be a diplomatic supper. The rest sounds good; I was thinking a single fireteam of guards would suffice; guess our minds are syncing up. And I was also considering bringing Tesa as one of my guards. And no, I don't have any Trumps with me" he gives Fort a knowing look then laughs, "But I do have Bob..."
Realmer reaches out with his Psyche, "Bob, contact Tesa and tell her I need her here, then transport her to me when she is ready, but tell her to make it soon."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bob floats off and calls Tesa.
Fort starts looking for guards, includes an unusual one Realmer ha dealt with very little, Drishti; a Diagan born and raised at Diaga Raks. She is known as a fast warrior of the Tesa type and is one of her friends and an acrobat a well as an alchemist. She has been mostly on guard assignments and here appointment to NP was a complete surprise to her. Fort picks two large warriors with a history of ignoring insults.
Bob come rushing back with naked and angry Tesa.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer approves of the guards chosen by Fort and is about to begin a dialog with Drishti about the Flamethrowers, being he is also a bit on an Alchemist, but the arrival of Bob and Tesa, naked and angry takes his full attention.
"What in all the Hells!? Tesa, what happened? Bob, details?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa-"Well, I'm going to have to work on my lockpicking. Its said Conf can break out of a welded sealed vault, but I can't. I was shadowjacking in the forest. I'm not good at it yet. And I tripped a trap.. ME!!!!! Pissing good one. Snapped me in like footpad into a coffin sized box, face down, and sealed shut. Then my clothes faded away.. I could barely turn around...I've been there for hours... I couldn't see in the pitch blackness so I couldn't shadowjack. I figured eventually you would trump me. Now, will one of you tall bastards give me your shirt please? peep show is over."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer chuckles and pulls off his shirt then hands it to Tesa.
"Don't feel bad about the trap Tesa; I, a dungeon delving Adventurer for decades... also forgot to check for traps and ended up with this sword" he pats the blade on his hip, "through my shoulder and all the rest scattered around the forest... as well as a ton or more of bricks" He chuckles again.
"But if you found a trap, that may mean there is something of value in that area. We may have to go back there tomorrow. But for tonight, we have dinner plans. Tesa, let's get you some weapons and some clothing if we can find some. Then let's walk the Camps to gather the other Commanders and guards then we are off to the Reskara Camp."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
It takes just long enough to find a tall man willing to fork over his tunic for a long glance as it took her to put it on.
Gathering the party you make your way over to the Reskara camp. Its clear on first site that their unity is not strong. 10 different camps, 3 human, 2 dwarf, 2 orc, 1 elf and of a furry faced humanoid race.
A soldier walks up and nods, "You be the Amberites? Or ya hear to cause trouble
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"We are the Amberites. I am Commander Relmopator; we were invited by Commander Andala." Realmer is respectful in his tone and demeanor.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He nods, "Follow me, sirs."
He walks among the camps and people from each watch carefully.
Coming to one of the human camps there are a large group and a man steps forward. Tall, thin , pale to almost gray, with long braided hair down the back.
"I'm Second Sword Delri. The Commander, First Sword Andala waits within. She has 8 associates, including myself to table. If your extra men would like to take dinner with our sub officers I can direct them so. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I am 1st Cohort Commander Relmopator, these are the Commanders of the other four Cohorts" Realmer indicates the four, "whom I will introduce within. These other four" he indicates Tesa, Drishti and the two large warriors with high tolerance to insults, "will accompany us as well."
Realmer turns to his other guards, "Dine with the sub-officers, introduce yourselves, get to know them. Enjoy your meals."
He turns back to Delri and nods.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He seems brisk but proper. He leads to a gathering by an over turned steel box the size of a coffin. Several dozen more are stacked nearby. the small group starts to stand. they all bear the looks of having had a hard battle and medical care improvised from improper supplies, though they all wear solid looking clothes in bright bold colors with black markings.
One of the men looks up and is clearly a large half-orc.
The smell of roasting meat is nearby the fires as several large deer cook . the antlers sit near by.
A woman steps forward and at first she seems somewhat awkward, you notice that she is missing the front of one foot and has one arm tied to her chest.
"Commander Relmopator.. Welcome. Our table is a bitter one today but the meat is good and we have onions and turnips...Its been a strange day. I'm afraid you are not seeing us at our best.


*'''Michael James Watson'''
She waves at the clothes.."I'm not sure of the purpose of these things but they are suitably warm against the coming cold night"


*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa whistles slightly in recognition
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I am Twis Andala, First Sword. Come sit."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Thank you, First Sword. You may call me Realmer. This is 2nd Cohort Commander Kablin, 3rd Cohort Commander Traxton, 4th Cohort Commander Dandilar and 5th Cohort Commander Carston. These are two of my advisors; Tesa and Drishti. And 404 and 219 over there are here because they're pretty to look at." He smiles.
"Thank you for inviting us to your table for food and palaver. I see you found the Clothing Cache at great cost; our day was also eventful and somewhat costly. But the fruits of our labor were many, and I would like to discuss the possibility of trade with your peoples. I understand you do not have much to offer in material goods... but perhaps there are other arrangements that can be made in exchange for the goods we have to offer."
"For starters, we have much armor of Orcish design made for large Orc bodies. We may also be able to trade some food and perhaps... some weapons, if talks go well and agreements beneficial to all parties involved can be reached."
"The Amberite Army and the Anzara Reen Army are already on good terms and have decided to work together as a united force. The Reen are on good terms with the Treba Cursis Horsemen and Amber is well on its way to good terms with them as well. And Amber is on good terms with the Kanzari Kzin as well, and the Reen and Horsemen are sure to follow. There is no reason the Reskara can't be on good terms with us as well. Five Armies united can surely defeat anything this world can throw at us."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She nods and takes a seat, waves for meat and vegetables to be brought over.
"I do not think that short fellow has our best interest at heart. he told us the location of a transport stone and that a cache of supplies was within an hour walk from it. We took our clan of 100, and a fellow human clan of 75 and tried the transport stone . Splitting up we found a place with about 200 of these metal cases. They were scattered around. As we opened them they were filled with this clothes and with onions and turnips. We started unloading them to see the results. When they were empty, they went invisible. Then when we tried moving they snapped shut on us. like snapping ral dogs. The maws enough to sever limbs and break bones. Those were the lucky ones. Over here are 14 cases that are unopenable with our people in them. They have tiny air holes but we can only hope something this short creature devises will open them. "
Food is brought over. "We are good hunter and took a dozen giant elks. We have 2200 of these ridiculous clothes sacks. and a ton of onions and turnips to show for 3 dead and 200 brutal injuries across 175 people. in the far lights a dozen of our people will commit a sin against the wise one so they may awake recovered.. The Bright Sword has much to answer for sending us here. And we have had to fend off attacks from Orc and Cathar. And we have not yet slept a night"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, General Napoleon, the Short One as you call him, also informed us of the weapons cache and not of its trap; I was alone when the trap exploded and I was pinned to a tree. And the 'band of Orcs' he told us about were more than a band and were big Space Orcs. I'm not entirely sure he likes us either. Perhaps that is part of his job here."
"One of the lessons we are all to learn in this place is cooperation, how to work together to achieve goals and survive this place. In the Spirit of that Cooperativeness, I would like to offer to get your comrades out of those boxes... and there is nothing you need to do in return. A gesture of Good Will and Cooperation."
Realmer thinks to Bob, 'Hey Bob. Make contact with the minds of those trapped in these boxes here and Trump them out of there.'
*'''Michael James Watson'''
bob peeks in each and trumps them out. Delighted to be free, they offer thanks as members off the group go to them and direct them back to their groups.
'Thank you! That is a great relief. We have few wizards and they could do nothing to these things. Our talents in those method are different."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Food is eaten and shared. As tale are told.
he says, "We would trade for meat in the short term since a dozen elks do not fed 175. we ill trade 2000 of these outfits for meat and spare weaponry. As for the orc armor, while some might fit Ranger Faent here you will have to speak to the orcs if they wish those. Our intent is to travel to the transport, then eat, laving nothing behind. There must be a more hospitable place between here and the east sea"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I will confer with my Commanders and the Commanders of the Reen as to a fair trade for the clothing; I know the Reen would appreciate something warm to wear and I am sure they would be willing to trade meat and spare weaponry as well. And while we are here in your camp, perhaps you could arrange an introduction with the commanders of the other Tribes of the Reskara; it would make it easier to start trade and other relations with all the Armies of Reskara if one of the Reskara were to do the introductions."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
They look at each other, The half orc says, "If only it were that easy. This is my third time here and the raskara seem to use this place to allow its elite forces to fight each other so we can more efficiently know how to kill each other back home. having done it here. We are fortunate our two clans want to ally. when we leave this camp we will leave nothing behind. Neither clan. We will live off the land so as much meat as you give us will be acceptable. You may take these ugly outfits with you tonight. What you send us tomorrow from your hunt will be satisfactory and will tell us if we wish to trade with you in the future. "
H chews a bone clean while talking.
Andala says, "I'm afraid Ranger Faent has the right of it. my clan and his know each other back home and have had good relations generally. There is no point trying to converse with the orcs. The elves pride themselves of not cooperating. The dwarves and the Cathars would rather fight each other then eat. When we leave tomorrow, after what rations you bring us, we will try to convince the Gufi Alat to come with us. They have too short an attention span to make any plan longer then a few days..
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I appreciate your candor and advice regarding dealings with the other Armies of Reskara. I have known several types of Elves and I know they can be Racist and sometimes down right Xenophobic, so if the Elves of Reskara are uninterested in cooperating with anyone, then I shall not waste my time or theirs. I have also known Dwarves and know their love for fighting, drinking and riches to buy their weapons, armor and drink... and I know most detest Orcs and Orcish Craft, so I shall avoid dealing with them for the now. I am unfamiliar with the Cathar, but if their minds are like that of the dwarves and only desire to fight, then I shall avoid them as well. The Orcs I have already had problems with, as well you know, but if they have anything worth trading or could be trusted to keep their word... I might palaver and trade with them."
Realmer turns to the half-orc, "Ranger Faent, if you with to come to the Amber Camp I will allow you to pick the armor you want before we trade it or leave it behind."
Realmer turns back to Andala, "I will have the meat delivered, fully cooked and smoked, no later than sunrise. I will have the weapons we can spare delivered later tonight and we will pickup the clothing then. When we depart, we will eventually be headed towards a plain to the north; the Kzin are already headed that way and if they get there first, they said they will reserve a spot for the Amberites. If you find yourselves there as well, we can camp together... I will try to save you some space. If you find yourselves traveling the same paths we are... perhaps we can make an arrangement to travel together and work together. Something to think about."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Andala nods, "Very good. We have dealt with the Kzin and I should warn you just in case. The Cathar are a feline race and as such things happen in the multiverse the Kzin are...cousins of a sort. they often fight together, I'm not sure how they know each other. The Cathar have fair magics and occasionally their warbands include a few Kzin. We shall consider any payment satisfactory though it will color future arrangements. You are a humanoid race,as are the Reen. Is there something in particular you would trade for?
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer thinks for a moment, looking thoughtful.
"With the clothing trade, our needs for the now are fairly met. But I would be willing to trade some of our sweet melons for some of your turnips and onions; diversity is the key to eating well. And when armor suited for humans is found, we would surely be interested. But what I... what we, as the Amberite Army, are looking for is, cooperation... and perhaps an allying of our forces... but I know that that takes time, and you will surely base that on how well we trade. I know our forces will be staying here another day, at least, to plan and prepare. Should you decide tomorrow, after all trades are completed, that you would like to join us or further discuss joining us, you will know where we are. Commander Andala, Ranger Faent, the evening grows dark and all of our troops need some rest. I will leave you now and send my men to trade soon, then again by sunrise. Well met by moonlight and magic."
Realmer stands and bows his head respectfully to Andala and then Faent.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Faent gets up to accompany you back to camp after farewells.
Faent-"Our leaders back home play a game with the Adledross. They say we are here to cooperate but in fact we are here to meet enemy leaders. Its stupid and dangerous but so is our world. Further, our clans themselves are far from unified. my own clan will certainly slay me to leave me behind at some point. as one of the few of my world that has traveled off world, beside here, I am not trusted. Should I find myself alone, I would like to say I will be helpful to whatever of the other 4 empire hires me.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Should you fall into bad times with your people, Faent, the Amberite Army will accept you and 'hire' you... as long as I am in Command and as long as I have influence. It is a shame that your leaders back home and some of your peoples here cannot grasp the concept of the Power of Cooperation. But it is their loss and most likely will mean the loss of their lives... at least here."
When they arrive at the Amberite Camp Realmer will give Faent his pick of the Orc armor and his choice of weapon from the spare weapons currently stockpiled.
"I will be sending more weapons and melons to your camp soon. We will trade for the clothing, turnips and onions then. The meat, at sunrise. I will have two of my soldiers accompany you to our camp lines. 404, 219, make sure he gets back safely."
Once he is well out of earshot, Realmer addresses the other Cohort Commanders, Tesa and whomever is within earshot.
"Send them 18 cooked and smoked pigs at sunrise with a large guard contingent. If one pig can feed 10 men for a week, that should hold them over for a little over a week, if they ration well. I also want to send 200 melons, bring back as many turnips and onions as they are will to trade when you get the clothing. And give them 100 orc cleavers and 200 knives. Once we get the clothing and foods from them, we can trade with the Reen to recoup some of our expenses. Commander Carston, I'd like you to take charge of the trade and get it done soon. Report back to me when it is done."
"Are there any objections? Anything anyone would like to add or say? Permission to speak freely. If nothing... you are dismissed."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
There are no objections and word of the outfits bring laughter, but of course they still want them.
Fort listens to the explanation and asks. "Did you find something particularly odd about these outfit, Realmer? Other then the color?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I didn't check them for magic, if that is what you mean, but they were a sort of a one piece overall with sleeves, they looked kind of soft and fluffy or fuzzy... and the black markings on them were oddly placed, in my opinion." He uses a Cantrip 2D-lusion to show what they look like exactly.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"There is a card in the King random deck for a world called the Blighted earth. I spent time there undercover with the Total warriors. Its a world blasted with radioactivity and political strife. An earth world. They built a wall around one of the great cities of their world, a New York, after a near nuke pretty much screwed that part of the country. Then they took all the prisoners in the whole country's prisons and dropped them in the middle. a federal police force mans the walls but the prisoners inside have their own problems and run their own little nightmare gangland. The federals provide food and clothing. The clothing is what you describe and what I saw in Tesa's mind. bright jumpsuits that make hiding impossible. and those marking, circles and stars, are targeting markers for the wall guards. It helps the insurgents who go in the city and the guards on the walls target shoulders, elbows, knees, wrists, heart, nuts. I can't say about these but the ones at New York Federal Penitentiary are specially painted to be extraordinarily easy to see with scoped weapons and night goggles. clothes designed to help guards kill and disable them. But its warm, durable, impervious to dye, falls apart if cut into or sewn on to to cover the targeting points. They also have embedded thread markers for tracking with satellites and computer monitoring systems."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"They sound like more of a bane than a boon. Can they be altered by magic to change their colors and markings? It sounds like the technology side of things is covered and blocked in that regard."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I won't know till I see them. Its a tech world for sure. I assume magic would work but these ,ight be designed for use here. As for bane/boon, the temperature in tat city in the winter gets to freezing for months at a time. its sweaty hot in the summer. the outfts are comfortable for either weather. I think they had some protection to a heightened radioactivity in the region.if you don't piss off the insurgent police, they are comfortable covering.. Anyway, I won't know til isee them tomarrow."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Actually, they will be here later tonight, but it can wait til tomorrow to inspect them. Carston, get some men together and get the melons and weapons to Commander Andala and get the turnips, onions and clothing back soon so you can get some rest. It has been a busy day and there is much we must do tomorrow to prepare for the journey to come. Rest well all. Dismissed."
Unless someone wants a word with Realmer, he will find a place where he is not likely to be interrupted, perhaps his shelter, perhaps on the roof of the kitchen... he will summon Bob to him and the will take the time to Weave and Rack the Spells that Bob used earlier this day; Confusion Storm and Magic Missiles. He also takes the time to Weave and Hang the Secure Shelter Spell back on the Sigil of the Spiral as it will be useful again in some form before this year is over. Once this is done he will retire to his shelter and sleep until just before dawn, when he will have Bob awaken him.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
IN the morning Carston comes over wearing a purple jumpsuit.
"This is embarrassing. Purple is the closest to not objectionable. The trades went well. They were very happy with the meat and weapons and send their regards and a crapton of onions and turnips. They were attacked by an orc squad but we took them out. Other then that we are done. The question now is do we leave a presence behind? Speaking with their man Faent I think they have the right idea. Move forward, hope to never need anything left behind, We need to start mapping the place.. The dragons would sure help with that"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Firstly, and most importantly, we will not be leaving a presence behind; I find no purpose for it. And if we cannot use it now, we cannot use it and it should be left behind. Moving forward is best. Secondly, the mapping; let's get on that immediately. Lets take half of the clothing to the Reen and see if they would be willing to recoup half of our trade costs from their stockpiles since I took only from Amber's stockpiles. If they are unwilling, then so be it. And ask them to start some mapping flights. Have someone find out if there is a cartographer amongst our troops and have the scouts, air and ground, report to him or her their finding so we can get a good map started. But before you start any of that... let me see if I can alter the clothing without destroying it."
Realmer brings up the Pattern in his mind and walks it to the center then looks over the purple onesy on Carston. If he thinks it can be altered, he will try to Mold Shadow Stuff and make the color and patterning a forest camouflage and 'tell' the techno stuff inside that the new color and patterns are what it is supposed to be. He will also 'tell the tracking aspect of the clothing to anti-track or scramble tracking instead, and that that is what it is supposed to do.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The first thing Realmer sees through his pattern lens is that they have tags and markers on them, magical, and there is a tiny fire spell bound to each one.
He hears Fort,_"Ya, I noticed that too. Magical, tagged and best not to muck with. I suggest we wear our current clothes and keep these for sleeping when the temp drops. At least tille we see what the weather is like ahead.
The Reen re delighted by the clothes, not having a big interest in camouflage. Carston goes of over the trades and the Reen are pleased. As for mapping....
Carston-"Tal suggests sending 20 dragons and riders ahead with 20 of ours. Do long range lights over the next week ."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Shame about the clothing, but I was considering sleep wear or underclothing as an option as well. Plus once we find armor that will fit us...." he trails off for a moment. "Perhaps I can alter the Orc armor as I intended to alter the clothing... perhaps I can resize it." He shakes his head and continues. "As for the scout flights and mapping; make it so. Though I am sure I don't want to stay here for a full week. I think we should get moving as soon as we are fully prepared... which, based on the look of things, shouldn't be much longer... another day or two? Our troops are organized and efficient... so are the Reen. What is the disposition of the Horsemen? And the remaining forces of the Kzin?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"According to Tal and Roland the horseman have refused to even speak to them beyond telling them that they do not speak to animals. Roland told them that they didn't mean for them to talk to their dragons and they said they had never considered talking to beasts of burden but they understood why he could think that, being a animal and not having the reason of a native horseman. Apparently Tal and some others had to keep Roland back manfully. I'd write thim off for now.'
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"the Kzin are gone. We might beat them to the melon patch if you want to talk to them. I had an idea though. Most these armies will be past the melon patch in a few days. But we didn't take a tenth of them and thee were a lot of other food in the area; greens, grains..The Kzin might take a chunk of the remaining pigs but if the pigs know the place they might keep going there. I was thinking it might be good to have a couple trumps to go back there to resupply if things get scarce."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Odd, I recall Tal mentioning offering pigs to the Horsemen in hopes of good relations... I guess that's off the table. And I have no need to speak with the Kzin for the now, just wanted to know their disposition. The melon patch... yes. We could get more supplies on our way, after the others have moved through and while there I can make a couple Trumps, as you suggest. Excellent idea. Now, let's go take a look at this heap of armor... I might have a Pattern Trick up my sleeve to resize it."
Realmer intends to Mold Shadow Stuff with his Advanced Pattern Power to simply make the armor, surely 'shadow stuff', human sized. Once at the pile of armor, Realmer says:
"Here goes..." and tries his idea.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The pain is immediate, as if he is fighting someone else's psyche through a constrruct.. The armor isn't magical but as you attempt to shift the pattern in it the sense of movement is great but it occurs to him that he might be leaving the shadow he is in if he pushes it too far. he think he might be able to change one item at a time, slowly, and at the risk of leaving the shadow of Adledross alltogether.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer stops once he realizes that this will not work the way he wants it to. He contemplates trying to alter reality and increase the probability that the armor is somehow magical and capable of resizing itself. But then he realizes the amount of psychic Force required, considering the psyche he seemed to be battling, would not be worth the effort. He drops the pattern and turns to Fort.
"I don't think this is going to work. I seem to be battling against another psyche of some sort that does not want me to change things. I guess we will have to leave the armor here. Probably better anyway, I never really liked Orc craft. Except their cleavers."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"You mentioned Roland earlier. How is he? I take it the spell worked? And how is Alex? And what of the dead? Did any resurrect? And the Dragons?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I was wondering if it would work. I can do a low order Polymorph object but it would only last 24 hours or so. We are more likely to find better anyway. As for Alex, how is he? Arrogant, proud, bloody. he has a heroic constitution and heals wicked fast. he'll be good in a few days. easier to let him walk around smiling all wounded. And Roland has finally found someone worth his time. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, I am glad that Alex and Roland are both well and that they found each other." Realmer looks thoughtful for a moment then chuckles and says, "I heard a term on an Earth World that might apply to those two; a bromance? Am I using that term correctly?"
Realmer chuckles again then says, "Perhaps we should give Alex a special assignment, something to go with his new buoyant personality; Morale Officer perhaps?" Realmer smiles at Fort then laughs for a few moments. "He wouldn't be in charge of anyone, but would be in charge of keeping everyone's Spirits high. And since his Spirits are quite high right now, I can think of no better man for the job."
"I think that Alex needs to learn how to be a part of a team, not just how to take orders from those in command and how to be NOT in command. And something more than just a one-man attack force. I think making him the Morale Officer would do just that; it gives him an important position of high responsibility and high interaction with the troops, but not in a true leadership role where orders are given... more like helpful suggestions."
"And speaking of morale; let's makes tonight's dinner with the Reen something of a celebration of our good fortunes and new alliance. Arrange for some competitive games; wrestling, dagger throwing, etc. Also some strategy games; chess, go... we can draw the boards on the ground, overlarge, and use rocks and such with charcoal markings. We can ask the Reen to ask their Dragons to watch the camps while we spend a few hours this evening enjoying ourselves before the real hard work begins."
Realmer looks back to the pile of armor and says a bit distantly, "And I think I want to give this armor to the other Orc army that did not attack us, just to be rid of it and possibly gain favor. It was the Blue Hand Orcs that attacked us, so it is the Blue Hand Orcs we have issues with, not all the Orcs. I would rather give it to them directly as opposed to leaving it for them to salvage."
Still staring at the pile of armor, almost looking through it... still sounding a bit distant. "What do you think, Fort? Not just about the armor, but all of it." Slight pause. "I don't want to start questioning my own command abilities, or have you or others question them... but if I am to ask 'how am I doing?' of anyone, it would surely be a man with leadership experience, a soldier I have been paired with for 9 years and my 2nd in command."
"I had wondered why I was put in command, especially of 1st Cohort... which I figured out quickly meant I was commanding the entire army. When you mentioned it was because I am a royal, the understanding and magnitude of the situation hit me and... to be honest, I was not prepared for it. I know that was only a little over a day ago now, but it seems much longer. I think the shock of it and the automatic responses of my training have eased back due to some much needed sleep and now my mind begins to wonder again."
Realmer continues to stare at the armor for a few moments, then he shakes his head and turns to look at Fort, looking a bit more like himself.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Oh sweetheart are you ever getting a song....ok, let's take this by the numbers and out of order. ". Mt. Rebooting.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I've known amberites my whole adventuring lives, though I was among the mighty of my universes before I met Your Bleys and he brought many of your amberites to York and Tosa. As well as Mac' Bar, the Pente Plains, Paradox & Discord.
"I was born in a slum of Wall, on Tosa, and grew up as a thieving gutter rat among the thieves quarters of that sword age metropolis. The Constantinople of Tosa..I was a cup holder in the Beggar's guild by 5, a coin-carrying member of the Thieves Guild by 10, attended the Snikura Assassin's School, and was a tattooed member of the Wizard's guild at 14. At 16 I was dragooned into the army, part of the Wizard's Guild donation to the cause.
" I would have fled into the under-streets when they tried to dragoon me. But a voice from shadow told me to obey and looked over me. Conf of Shadows, the not-god of thieves on Tosa. I had no idea of my relationship to him at the time. Nor his to Tolknor or Nur Al Din. And certainly not his relationship to Tesa, she was not born yet.
I was taught medical skills right along side of swordsmanship by a warrior priest of The Old Faith. By the time I was 20 I had sworn to the fire god Mikon, seen war roll over me a dozen times, served in the line and had been branded a Quad; a servant of four masters. I was never meant to be a leader. I was meant to be a skilled servant. I fought to survive but it was reading, and music that was my passion. Storytelling and history, and the powers of the universe. "
"In time and after many adventures, traveling with a variety of diverse peoples including many of the Elders of my Amber I learned to lead.
"After Tolknor created York I was one of the first Total Warriors. I learned how to be a great leader there. Its part of the Total Warrior creed: A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
Fort chuckles as he monologues, impressing his mighty presence on his story telling.
"Why did they make you a cohort Commander first? Because while Traxton and Dandilar and Carston need to know how to fight and lead troops, you needed to learn to stand bold in a very loud dynamic family that controls much of Shadow. Rasak and Adledross may make them soldiers but it needs to make you know your are an Amberite, not a librarian. I will bet you credits to navy beans that you will remain a cohort Commander even after the other 4 are replaced. This is what Benedict wanted of you. And whoever is made cohort commanders next, none will have your station. Alex and Roland may think themselves universal gods but neither are Amberites...You are here to learn how to lead. and more importantly to learn that it is your duty to lead. What is it Oberon used to say? Death I no reprieve from Duty"
still mt
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
When Fort mentions Oberon's quote, Realmer says it at the same time: "Death is no reprieve from Duty." Then he chuckles.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"When it comes to Alexandir and Roland, I am familiar with the term 'bromance.' While I can appreciate the term and it would be hard to believe such a monumental creature as Alex would dally in such things, it does bring up an interesting or dangerous possibility. They might just be boon companions in this strange place with a different view on titles and leadership. But I know Alexandir, have known him since he was still a Blacksmith's son in a village far outside Wall. I was there when he touched the World Stone. There are types of bondings in our worlds he respects and admires but has never joined in since by the time he might have the others he might respect enough had touched the Stone too. Zatonic. Gerard. Atlas. Grog. "
Fort looks around the camp as thing are in preparation.
"Now Roland.. He is a mighty warrior and he is ambitious and arrogant in a way that might suit Alexandir. Such pairings can be dangerous. Sword Banded. Centaurs and Barbarians on Paradox began it with banded brothers riding on the back of centaur mounts. Culturally it was an important warrior bond, a type of marriage. In time it spread across the Tosian multiverse, being a common thing among adventurers. Sometimes its a formal thing, like with Jake and Kirgor or Cantor & Janak who performed the whole ceremony formally, stepping over the sword on the field of battle, gripping hands in blood from a shared slain foe. Typical Gothic warrior crap... Others are more casual about it like Ascorbc & Boxlifter or Hazarda and Timothy Elhue. Some are also marriages like Zatonic and Geata. Its usually a bonding of equals but I doubt Roland is anywhere near Alexandir's' equal at anything. Of course those happen too in the case of Vonnilia and Shaharazad. Still. one never knows what bands one to another. My own situation is an example. While I am married to the Fox I have a residual bond with Wenda from a much earlier epoch of our lives when things were very exciting. Once the Fox and I became friends, Wenda was....wroth.. I would not want to see what a jilted Alexandir could do to an unsuspecting nation, should he feel insulted after such a pairing. "
He pauses to think.
"There is another possibility and it might be part of why Benedict and Random wanted Alexandir to come here. Alexandir is the Premier Saint of Battle. He leads a council of warriors of epics that view and judge battle across shadow and judge someone to have committed a suitable act of ideal battle worthy of recognition as iconic examples for warriors everywhere. Its a Tosian thing originally, but spread across our multiverse. I heard Benedict mention about extending the Sainthoods to Amber. There are certain magical benefits for inclusion in the order. I bear 6 Sainthoods myself. "
He starts to point to his hat in an act of vanity, only to remember he does not wear it.
"This place is too much of a game for the Saints. So battle here would not count. But Alex might well invite Roland to join him in Amber in the hopes of a repeat performance worthy of inclusion. Wouldn't surprise me."
He puts his hand on Realmer's shoulder. "In the moment though, fear not. Strap your jock tight and lets go. If I think you err I shall make a jest. If I think you are fucking up, ill tap my eye..." He slyly taps the side of his eye with a pinky, but smiles wickedly.
"Shall we be about our business, Commander?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer listens quietly, except the one simultaneous quote with Fort and deeply ponders Forts words. When he finishes and asks his question, Realmer pulls back with a look of mock-horror on his face.
"God and Monsters, man. I didn't need a detailed monologue, the part at the end would have sufficed."
Realmer maintains the 'horrified' look for several seconds in silence, then cracks a wide smile, winks at Fort and laughs, then slaps him on the back good naturedly.
"Thank you for your candor and your advice, Fort. Now, let's get to business, Sub-commander. Let's see if we can convert some of those caltrops into ammunition for the Nail Guns. And let's see if there was enough Flame Fuel salvaged for a 'refill incantation' I recently learned... or if we are going to have to concoct our own recipe. And the Orc armor... give it to the other Orc army, not the Blue Hands, with my regards. Tell them it is a thank you for not raiding the Amberites Camp. I am sure there is much more to do this day before our feast can begin, let's see what needs immediate attention, shall we."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort laughs, "I'm the first crowned bard you've met I guess? We tend to ramble out of a sense of instruction. I've sung 10,000 Kegs of Ale in the hall 3 times in a row...twice"..
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"The fire fuel I think we can manage. Fuel in the line when pressure failed.. I think I can manage refilling the pressure tank with compressed air. You have the refill spell. as for the caltrops to nails, its a very different type of nail...now... I have an idea on that but it bound to piss off the Reen.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Let's hear it. Maybe we can find a way to make it sound better to them before we get there."
Realmer walks a soldier's pace, neither fast nor slow. He inspects visually and gives Hand Signs of approval when he sees good work being done. He is also listening to Fort.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort nods, "The problem with the nails is they are a high quality razor silver alloy. 3cm long,3mm, wide and half a mm in tal. its incredibly high tensile strength makes it work under pressure and its shape makes it stack compactly and fly straight and true.
These are not construction nails. They are not very dangerous individually and depend on multiple hits to cause a lot of tiny wounds. They have no stopping power and cause very little hydro-static shock. What they do is hurt a lot in a lot of distracting places. Enough cause blood loss and a few in the heart or eye can kill. They are easy to use with no kick or recoil. But they want to hit a target with 500 to a 1000 nails and that kind of cumulative damage is what kills. . I'm betting a quarter million rounds were used in that nail fight ,"
He stops and waits for Realmer to stop and look at him.
"I have a silver magnet spell that will recover all those nails and I am sure they can be re-stacked and the clips reloaded. But....while a majority of those nails are spread wildly around the battle site, the easiest ones to recover......are in the dragon bodies they brought back....and recovering them will be visually dramatic and messy"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer draws in a breath sharply. "I understand what you mean. So the dragons did not resurrect. How about the lost soldiers?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
'Oh they did resurrect. All shiny and new. So did our dead as you know. But the old bodies remain. They were talking about smoking the meat and curing leather.. but.. still, its going to be messy and there is no way around it.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, let's be about it then. Perhaps we can offer them a larger share of the Nail Guns and ammunition to help make them feel better about the whole mess."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"You want to ask them or shall I?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Who do you think they like better? We've both had about equal interactions with their Wing Commanders." Realmer shrugs.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Well, there is no reprieve from duty, oh royal commander"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
“I could delegate that responsibility to one of the other Cohort Commanders or Sub-commanders...” Realmer pauses to arch an eyebrow at Fort, then continues, “But a good Commander won't make anyone do something he is unwilling to do himself. Duty.”
When Fort and Realmer arrive at the Reen Camp, Realmer requests to speak with Wing Commander Talodak. When they are with him, Realmer gets to the point quickly.
“Wing Commander Talodak; we have a request you're not going to like... it involves the dead dragons. I will be quick and direct; we have a way to retrieve the ammunition for the Nail Guns from the dragons bodies, but it will be very messy. We know this may upset you and your people, but we are willing to give the Reen the larger share of what is recovered as well as a few extra Nails Guns to hopefully help offset the upsetting nature of what we would like to do.... with your permission, of course.”
*'''Michael James Watson'''
tal looks a bit surprised. "Proceed, Commander. as I told you, we are not sentimental about our dead. they are memorialized elsewhere. Of course in this situation the dead will be able to watch whats done to their dead bodies. Seems macabre. As for the weapons, we'll take a few of course. But id prefer your ground forces keep the projectile weapons and let u have the caltrops. Dropped from the air they could be potent. "
Fort smiles t Realmer, "I may owe them a song too"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Wing Commander, you have a deal. Sub-commander Fort; it's your show now."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort steps up, "I apologize in advanced Commander Talodak. "
Alex and Roland are standing near the dragon corpses. a Fort walks up. He briefly speaks to them and Alex looks angered but Roland assures him and they walk over to the Wing Commander.
Alex-"Commander, I'm told the Reen do not get sentimental about their dead. I do. though that does not stop me from expending them in need."
Tal, "Understandable, Soldier 42. But this is my camp."
Fort does a few preparatory spells, mostly levitating them and arranging positioning. AS he does most of the riders and no few of the dragons move to watch.
Fort raises his hands finally and enchants the high level, low order spell. Quickly its like a blender rends the corpses as a 100k tiny nail rush out to the speed a point to gather shivering like insects
There is a rush of surprise from the Reen.
Tal walks up, followed by Roland. He picks up a nail, looking like a sliver of silver.
"Such a little thing to cause such damage."
Fort nods and picks one up too, "There is a common magic item on Tosa that is a quiver that a fired arrow automatically returns to. The total Warrior have a different style of bolt gun that does the same thing. I don't see any reason that wouldn't work on these. "
Alex-"the bolt guns recover bolts the the clip but not under the kind of pressure these must be under..Still, that's a structural issue the enchanter would probably be able to overcome. Put Jeremy on it. "
Fort snorts. "You put him on it #42. I like my gonads where they are." Alex and Fort chuckle. Roland does too not knowing who Jeremy is or how he might move someone's genitals.
Alex-"How will you load the clips?" fort answers,"TK" Alex nods.
Fort starts using Silver Magnet to fill bag with nails.
Tal approaches Realmer-'We had planned a week to render the dragons but I think we shall just have a bonfire instead. Get it over with quick. We will begin survey flight today then. Would you like to send troops with the riders?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, Wing Commander, I would like to send some of my troops skilled in mapping with your Riders. I will have them arrive at your camp shorty after I arrive back at mine. And if you still want to take the week to render the dragons, we might be able to spare the time. The extra resources would be worth it."
Realmer turns to Fort, Alex and Roland. "I will take care of telling Jeremy to get on the Returning Ammunition project... and if he wants MY gonads, he can try to take them. Been a loooong time since I've been in a Sorcerer's Duel... could be fun" he says with a wicked smile and a gleam in his eyes.
"I also have some Trumps to work on and some Fire Fuel tanks to refill as well as planning for the dinner tonight. Speaking of which, Wing Commander... I wanted to turn tonight's dinner into a short celebration of our alliance and good fortunes... I would like all of the Reen to attend and I would like to ask if you could ask your dragons to keep watch and guard the camps while all of our men take some time to eat and get to know each other. There will be some games as well."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tal nods, 'well then, since you have the kitchen lets save as much of the smoked pig as possible for the future and I'll have dragon meat sent over with a few of our best cooks. As for the rest, without proper sewing tools the leather of the dragons is nearly worthless. Besides, I suspect we will have more as the year wears on. Till tonight.' He nods and goes to issue orders.
Nearing camp Alex pats Realmer on the shoulder, "By the way, Lord Relmopator, if you ever choose to duel with Jeremy please do it at the gladiatorial arena at Gesheka so the rest of us can watch. If you think your powers challenge his you have greatly underestimated who you see in that old man. I have noticed that in you Amberites. Fine boaster, but not long on delivery. Though your Gerard does remind me very much of my own dear old friend Gerard when it come to backing up his boasts. Ask Fort if I am mistaken in my appraisals" He then walks off ignoring any retort.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer chuckles at Alex's commentary, then turns to Fort.
"I never said I would be victorious... I was just implying he would have a fight on his hands he would surely not forget."
Realmer chuckles again.
"I'll go talk to Jeremy... and I'll keep my gonads protected. Then I'm going to work on those Flame Throwers. After that, the Trumps of the Melon Patch and a couple others. While I am working on them, I will need to be undisturbed, so I will need you to manage things for a few hours, Fort. I will let you know before I start that project. In the mean time, spread word throughout our camps that we need surveyors with excellent vision, memory and mapping skills if possible, to report to the kitchen for a few days of supplies then to report to the Reen as quickly as possible. And send a runner now to their camp to request several large pieces of dragonskin suitable for making large maps. Anything else before I go see Jeremy?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort-"Well, going to see Jeremy would require leaving Adledross so its going to have to wait. Ill go back over for the skins and they would probably be a good medium for trumps. I can make contact trumps and we can probably use a few of those. As for surveyors, I have an idea who to grab. Take a look at the flame throwers and lets see where things stand
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Odd. I thought Jeremy was with us. My mistake. The Flame Throwers then."
Once at the weapons stockpile, Realmer will look over the Flame Throwers very carefully, studying their design and workings before attempting to open them or mix fuels from one tank to another. Realmer will be very cautious in every step. If Fort is not with him, Realmer will find someone knowledgeable in Space Orc Tech, or similar, to assist him if needed.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The orcish design tends to have a degree of Gerry-rigging or customization to them but with brute-force over compensations that makes for surprisingly sturdy weapon. A lot of it is pressurized. Fuel tank, compressed air, dispenser reserve,separate lighting fire for a tiny with valves and gauges to maintain the pressurized liquid spray. there are two liquids involved. The reservoir for the lighter fluids are half full at least. After draining the remaining fuel tanks there is just barely a quarter of a tank left. The battle had drained all their juice.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
During the process of combining contents of the Fire Fuel tanks, Realmer should have an idea of the general type of fluid or fluids used to make the Fire Fuel, by smell, viscosity, etc. Enough to know that the Incantation of Refilling, designed for alcoholic fluids, may not work without a bit of modification, but he is willing to try it as is. Hopefully it will just fail and not harm the Fire Fuel, if it does not work.
Realmer touches the fluid within the container with one finger, then rims the top of the open container as he Incants; "Cuius satietatem Bacchaus nomen aeternum" trice.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
From behind he hears "Oh great wizard whose powers grow through a rain of tears."
behind him comes a young looking man with unkempt dark hair a sweet plain face. he wears a white shirt and black vest of a well tailored and embroidered style. He looks over his shoulder and aways over a rise going up to the city of the Adledross, Boney stands he nods to the young man who comes and sits across from you, looking deeply over the Orcish equipment.
"Did the spell work?" H idly teases a long feather quill mixed in his hair.


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"It would appear not" Realmer says to the young newcomer, then turns to Boney. "General."
"I thought it might not, as the spell was designed to refill alcoholic beverages. But I thought I might try it 'as is' before making modifications. But I do believe I do know where the modification needs to be made; a simple alteration to the incantation should suffice. I am Commander Relmopator, but I am sure you already know that. And may I inquire as to whom you are?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Cuius satietatem Hephaestus aga Poseidon nomen aeternum" The container fills with the smelly volatile liquid.
"Baccchus is the God of alcohol. Poseidon of water, and Hephaestus is Fire. Though whoever taught you that was making you look silly. perhaps they didn't know any better. The words are not a important as the intent. You have been here a short time and your reliance on magic has already been noted. that's why I am here. To evaluate your combat magic to modify your targets"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer is silent for a moment and looks as if he has something to say, but sighs slightly and says instead:
"I am here to learn. What must I do?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Do what you must. You are here to learn. And teach. " He waves at the filled tanks, "Magic tends to be a solitary thing. Duels are one on one. Wars are a team sport. Find poetry in unity. I have no doubt that if you set out on your own you could cross the continent, defeat what foes you could not avoid. But in the end, would you have learned teamwork? I have no doubt that the dragon riders could fly across the continent in a few days. But what would they have learned? I have no doubt you could lead a company across the continent using your magic to destroy many a force unfamiliar with magic and do so with mot of your countrymen as spectators. But will they learn your magic? Will you have bonds of comradeship with them? "
He produces two sliver cups. Pours the fire fuel into both.
"dèan am fìon uisge teine seo" The gasoline smell disappears and the glasses are filled with a fine burgundy.
"Amber sends warriors here every year to become great soldiers. It is Benedict's hope that out of each legion will be at least one leader. What will you teach them? Cantrips? Low Order magic? Power words?"
He drinks the glass and the glass refills
"This is only the first week. Nothing much is expected of you. But the battles will vary greatly. Magic may not solve problems the same day to day. But a sharp blade always cuts" He finishes the glass and sets it down, walking back up the narrow path to the heights, where Boney awaits.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer watches as the young man walks away, then look past him to where Boney is upon the hill and gives him a slight nod. Realmer sits on the ground cross-legged in front of the filled flamethrower contemplating all he has just been told. He laughs at himself out loud and shakes his head as he realizes that after all these decades he is still thinking like a low order wizard. He knows what he wants the magic to do. He knows how to manipulate the magic to do so. He knows how to weave a spell to accomplish this. He has always known.
Realmer begins by gathering all of the empty flamethrowers around him. Then he removes the fuel tank lids to open them all. He sits in the center of them with the filled flamethrower between his legs. Then he begins weaving a new spell; a combination of the spell he learned from Brand, what he just saw the young man do, and a variety of other low order spells with similar function.
When he has finished weaving the spell, he stands, leaving the filled flame thrower on the ground at his feet. He waves his hand over the fluid in the tank then holds his hand over one empty tank and turns in a circle so his hand passes over all the empty tanks and he completes the spell with the incantation "e pluribus unum". All tanks are filled.
Realmer will secure the tops on all of the filled tanks and then store them away. While he is storing them away he contemplates what magics he will teach and how.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The tanks fill quickly responding to the powerful magics. Is stressful and hard but direct. Something about Adledross battles slightly against magics of that power.
Fort whistles, "That's more like it. We shall have to speak of magic like that. I've a date for a Broken Pattern and Mal at Riess. Its been an age of the world since I focused on magics but my high order magic is York based and a order of magnitude below that you did. Meats cooking. We have a good number of of the Reen in camp. We also Faent and a group of his people.
His people are allied with the human and apparently ally with them in their home world too. A number of them are half-orcish and are looking that armor over with a possessive avarice. "
Picking up a flame thrower and locking through it click, lights it off to make a long fire burst.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Not bad... not efficient but it will do. Now, lets get these back to camp and tuck in. Oh 100 cases of a heavenly burgundy were delivered with a note saying a gift from Percy. Do we know a Percy?'
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer picks up the glass of burgundy he did not drink (wine and all) and hands it to Fort. "If it smells like this, then yes, we know a Percy. He just told me a few things I needed to hear. And you and I are not the only ones going to be talking about Magics; the entire army, if possible is about to learn about Magics. I found out that this is not just a place to learn, but to teach.... and if there is anything I could teach, Magics would certainly be it. We need to find out who knows what concerning Magic; who has it and who does not. And then find out who has the capability to learn Magic and teach them. And it's not just going to be learning Spells or Cantrips, it will also be tactical lessons on efficacious spell use."
Realmer appears to be beaming. "How much dragonskin did you secure? I should get on those Trumps soon. Speaking of which, perhaps I should also teach Trump Artistry to those who can learn it and perhaps some Shape Shifting exercises for those who possess it."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort nods, "Cantrips are where to start. Damned useful magic and nearly impossibly to kill oneself using them. I can teach Cantrips easy. as for low order spells, it get dicey pretty fast but Amberites have an affinity for them so perhaps. I would be delighted to learn Trump art. I can make contact trumps but the my transport trumps only work around the York shadows. When CHAD was hired we got a bunch of special transport trumps for non-amberites. Marvelous things. I couldn't figure them out but I'm a technician not a specialist. Some of our wizards got instruction from Finndo and Fiona. Others like myself were given maps and history lessons. If it wasn't for Arlo I might have become the first Quad Crowned Bard but according to our customs he has dibs on the bardic crown for Amber.
He sips the wine and nods, savoring it.
'As for pelts, 30 square meters at least. Its still pretty fresh but we can manage it. By dawn I'll have the skins ready for maps and Trumps. I suggest we both work on making contact trumps for the next couple days. while the surveyors give us a feel for the road ahead"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes; Cantrips. The stepping stone to Low Order Magic. And Power Words as well; the stepping stone to High Order Magic. Both easy to learn, both useful but in different ways. Let's find out who already possesses Magics and to what degree. Those that can, will teach what they can. Those without Magics will learn.... a few Cantrips and a couple of Power Words at least. Those with Magics will learn more; High or Low Order. As the year progresses we will determine to what extend each soldier will continue to learn Magic."
"Once the dragonskin is ready, I want to not just make the Trumps, but to start teaching you and others the Artistry, and other uses, of Trump. It would be best to mark them in the Tattoo Style of Inking... I will need to prepare some inks for the skins... with just what is around here I could easily make black... perhaps some red using blood... perhaps some green using leaves and herbs...."
Realmer begins looking around the camp for various plants, rocks, charcoal, etc. that could be used in the making of inks.
"And save aside a few of those Silver Nails; they will make excellent Tattoo Needles.... we can work up a stylus for them out of wood."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort smiles, "I can probably help with the inks. Let me think for a second....." He pauses for dramatic effect.
He whispers, reaches a stand of grass in hand and casts Commune with Nature.
After a few moments he says softly, "For yellows I find sources ahead, nearby, for marigolds,dandelion &sunflowers. Oranges there are some wild carrot within a mile... nice. Quite a frigging lot of carrots. We have onion skins. Browns-Excellent. There is a stand of walnut trees. Where the Kzin went through are groves of blueberries, grapes, hibiscus... That's nice. Spinach...that will make greens....Hibiscus makes good blues and we can flavor water. Oh....Cherries.. and look at that.. There are several thousand of them and the damn trees are crawling with vig snakes, so if there are Vig snakes there must be...... There!!!! Ink Vines..that's all the black ink we will need and we can braid whips too if we like. Make good ropes...Traps....With ink vine hooks.....OK... that's about as far as I dare seek now...That's food and ink....Hmm vig snake,...good eating..."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I had another idea...We have 5 cohorts of 1000. That's based loosely on Amber doctrine;A fire team of 10, 10 FT to a company, 10 companies to a cohort, minimum. and they essentially are telling us who is in charge. While I get that they are going to change leaders we need to establish something that will transcend leadership changes. A general doctrine for the next 10 months....."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I like the way you're thinking, Fort. Some way of keeping all the alliances forged so far intact? A way to keep some standard operating procedures in place? Hmm... many things to contemplate there."
"In regards to all those resources you found... know where all these places are? And they are all close by? If so, let's get some foraging teams out there and back soon. The additional foods could add a bit more robustness to tonight's dinner and of course gives us more time to make the ink. The addition of rope to our supplies would certainly be beneficial at some point in the near future... rope is always useful."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"All those sources are within a couple hours. I've hunted Vig Snake and so has Carston. We are both veteran of Ink Vine attacks. I'll speak to Carston and see if he will lead that group. the rest.. except for the flowers the rest don't need gentle harvesting. I'll handle the flower and we can piece out the other ones. "
He looks thoughtful, "I'm not to worried about foreign alliances. I'm concerned about Amber interactions between groups when cohort command changes. You might want to head straight, someone else might want to go north, someone else hunker down for a month and farm. We can't say what alliance will hold as time goes on but we need to be focused ourselves. Look, I'm a Tosian CHAD, as such I'm a hireling of Amber. So is Alexandir and Carston. The rest of these people are soldiers of Amber, Thelusia, Diaga, Kashfa and a dozen other Amber tributaries all here to further their career in Amber. You are the only one here with no career goals as far as the Army of Amber is concerned. As a Royal you have the ear of the King You aren't going to be stuck commanding 3rd Cohort, 2nd legion in the hope of promotion. You need to set the tone for the next year so that the career people who follow the 5 of you into cohort command, know they are supposed to be following YOUR plan...These are professionals..They know what side of the bread is buttered."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"In the mean time. Lets focus on Clean, Chill, Heat, Extinguish, Purify water, Zap, Firefinger and Werelight. 8 Cantrips that are extremely useful and I bet everyone here can learn them fast. we can teach it on the march and in camp at night. I don't remember any wizard standing out over the last decade but one never knows."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, much to think on, much. Yes, the Cantrips are great. Also, Power Words: Magic Negation, Neural Disrupt and Lifeforce... three of the more useful for our purposes here. I'll get some teams on the foods, while you get the snakes and flowers. I'll let the kitchen know to save some of what we need for our inks. We will talk again soon about MY plan and those doctrines... but to be honest, I will need a lot more information about what is out there and what is to come before I can formulate that plan. And that is why we will talk again soon."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
As the day pushes to evening various groups return with bounty. Carrot, walnuts, grapes, berries, spinach, cherries, and 300 very large snakes over 12' long and a foot across. Of the 200 troops Carston took to fight the snakes many are injured but seem in good spirits. Most of them have black scars on their bodies, mostly face and neck. fort reaches them first and is talking animatedly with them while inspecting the snakes.
Among the troops there is a lot of sorting going on and several troopers seem talented in butchery. After Fort tells them how to clean the Vig Snakes they make short work of the luscious snake meat. Many troopers are familiar with hunting enough to know how to stake out the skin.
Fort comes back over "So I learned something as I wandered out to pick daisies for the cause... I Communed several times. The forest runs north and south the whole run of the place and its packed with food. Fruit, vegetables, those melons, walnut, pecans, peanuts, as well as stocked with prey animals. From speaking to some of the plants it seems this is how its always been and this is the richest food region on the continent. I'm betting a lot of armies rush through the various minor encounters, like the vig snakes and the hip pigs to reach the other side and find themselves short of provender. I think part of our plan should be instructing the dead that when they set out to reach us again they forage with a purpose. Also, it may be more important then ever to be on good terms with the Dragonrider just to get back here for chows"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer nods his head and says, “Hmmmmm. I believe I am beginning to fathom this place. Maintaining good relations with the Reen, and all of our new allies, is important regardless of their ability to ferry food quickly. I have an idea for that too... the resupplying, that is. We are already planning on making some personal Trumps of... well, I guess we should discuss whom shall be Trumped.” He chuckles then continues, “And location Trumps of the Melon Patch, and I am now thinking one of this camp area too, since there is much provender to be found close by. As we visit the other sites you have learned of, we will make Trumps of them too. So, regardless of death of troops or dragons, we can return for provender. But I am also thinking about those who die, getting to the sites quickly and rejoining the Army quickly.... so to that end, I intend to create a Trump at each site, something semi-permanent.... maybe carved into a tree or the stone of the ground... hidden and only known to our troops and allies. I'm still working out the details and logistics in my head... once the surveyors return we will know more and be able to plan better. But I was thinking that each time we visit a new area of provender, I Trump back to the previous location, create a location Trump there for the site I just left, then Trump back to test it. And so on as we progress through this forested belt of plenty. When the last site is reached.... perhaps a Trump of me... I should always be with the Army... and if I die... well, I have Bob to get me back to the Army.”
“As the supplies have been coming in, I have been pulling aside what we will need for the inks and I have already begun making some of them. With a little more help, I am sure we could finish the inks before dinner and the festivities begin, allowing them to steep for richer and more permanent colors. I have also made several styluses while you were gone; I used some the Silver Nails and some pieces of the harder woods, then fire hardened them. While I was making the styluses, I thought about tattooing a Trump image on a person... those who would be willing... never tried it before though... not exactly sure how well it would work... but in theory, it should.”
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I've seen trump tattoos before. They tend to fall apart as skin recycles and grows. Its like tattoos on shapechangers. One shift and its easy to forget to shift colors in. Though....hmmmm I wonder.... You Amberites seems to be closer connected to your shapechange then mine were. None were skilled at it but after the repair all of you have it to some degree...."
He reaches out and grabs your wrist....looking closely at it.
"Hmm You can shapechange skin color....change nails, bone, facial structures... My shapechanging to animals is not as freeform.....If I could speak to Digan he would be who to ask.... If you drew the trump you wanted....Could you use it as a guide to shapeshift the trump into your skin? It wouldn't be inked, a matter of pigmentation, but you would still focus the forces as you created the design..... I know how to embed spells in tattoos...in theory...never needed them myself but I know other practitioners that do.. York high order sorcerers that embed sorcery spells in ink...."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Take a closer look, Fort. I can also take on Animal and Demon Forms, add body parts like wings or extra limbs, and alter body parts.... though I am no Advanced Shape Shifter like many of those in the Courts, I do have more Shape Shifting ability than most Amberites. If I were to focus on my Shape Shifting Abilities and continually remind my body, for a period of time, that the Tattoo is part of my body and not to reject or get rid of it, it would remain a part of me until I decided to rid myself of it. It's rather like conditioned muscle responses; once the conditioning is in place the rest is automatic."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I can see. but the ink is still a foriegn substance the body shuffles off epidermis around....hmmm something for the future. I have people stretchng dragon and Vig skin for maps and trumps. we can start on them a soon as we have something to put on them. I;ll set out tomorrow morning. We have guests arriving.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Guests? Oh my. I hope the hors d'oeuvres are ready." Realmer chuckles as he casually looks around.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The day to day stuff seems to have established the other armies to some degree. There seems to be a plan for the first week. lets sort of a month plan to get thing rolling.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer's Plan for the next month:
Establish a Long Term Plan & Doctrines for the Amber Army to follow, so that as Command changes we can all maintain standard operating procedures and remain focused on our short and long term objectives. This needs to be completed and established BEFORE we break camp. (some of what is listed below will be part of the Long Term Plan & Doctrines)
After the first week of surveying, mapping and prepping are done, we will break camp. We will send out Scouting Teams both in the air and on the ground and work our way north through the forest, identifying all the food spots, gathering what provender we can, and marking them on our maps. We will also be making Trumps of each place to take with us and semi-permanent Trumps left at each previous place once the next one is found. The Army will continue to travel north through the forest as far as we can feasibly go before we must turn (East? West?) to make our way towards our destination at the end of the year.
Continue surveying and mapping as we move. Continue the Magic training where time allows. Begin and continue cross training all soldiers in the skills they can train each other in. Continue to search for caches. Keep watch on the other Armies' movements. Make contact with other Armies for trade of supplies and information. Maintain daily and weekly reports to/from all Commanders and Advisors within our Army and with Allied Armies. Maintain a flow of information to the troops to help keep them informed enough so that they know what is going on and so if they must assume Command or are assigned Command, they will already have in idea of the situation and what to do. Maintain daily and weekly activities to boost Morale and increase Camaraderie; singing, shared stories, minor events at camp, etc.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
This is the result of the aerial surveillance after a week. It shows the remnants of a large battle the horseman fought in the south and ht Kzin in the north. It shows the Orc battle and sight of the melon patch and the vig cherry battle. And 4 currently active battle zones of the clans.


*'''Michael James Watson'''
The aerial observation showed at least 4 spots the clans had had major fights but they were seen later in the week and just showed dead and burns. The horseman in the south had a major fight lasting several days and seemed evenly matched. In the north the Kzin had broken the heavy forest, crossed the rolling hills and fought a heavily armed foot force and seemed to have destroyed them. Recon said they were feeding after the battle.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
As the first week comes to a close and all prepare to breakdown camp for travel, Realmer calls all soldiers of the Amber Army into Formation in the center of Amber's Camp for a Speech/ Announcement. He uses his Shape Shifting to Alter his Voice Box to allow his voice to project further and be heard more clearly at a distance without having to 'yell' or 'scream' at the top of his lungs or use Magic to be heard by all.
“Soldiers of Amber!!! We have had a good week! And the month ahead looks promising! We have all worked well together within our own ranks. And with those of the other Armies. Our TEAMWORK is what has gotten us here. We have ALL done well! I am sure all of us, as soldiers and commanders, would like that to continue. Am I right?!”
He pauses for a moment for those who might vocally approve, as soldiers do.
“Excellent!!! I thought so! And do you know how we achieved that level of teamwork!? By forgetting who we were, outside this place, for the last 9 years!”
Realmer gives them all a couple of moments to let that sink in.... then continues.
“Regardless of our respective Heredity, Titles, Allegiances and Loyalties outside this place... HERE, on Adledross, we are ALL just soldiers in an army. All that matters in this place NOW, is what we do here for the next year. Anything outside this place that has come before or comes after, has no bearing in HERE. Who we ARE or WERE outside this place does not matter in HERE. We are NOT of Amber or Tosia... Kashfa or Begma... or any other of a dozen places while we are in HERE. WE are an Army of Soldiers that MUST work together, WITHOUT Ego or Self Centeredness, if WE are to survive, thrive and be VICTORIOUS over this place. So WE can pass the Test that those who run this place have put before US. And though, those who run this place may have control over who is in Command at any given time, WE, the Soldiers, the Army, are in control of what WE do and HOW we do it. Though they set some of the parameters and some of the goals, it is US that must achieve those goals within their parameters by setting OUR OWN parameters for achieving OUR OWN Goals along the way. The MOST important thing WE must ALL learn here and practice here, according to those who run this place, is to WORK TOGETHER AS A TEAM. It IS what has gotten ALL of US here, so far.”
Another short pause.
“Our Goal is NOT to get to the Destination first. Our Goal is NOT to destroy every Enemy Force we encounter NOR to evade them. Our Goal, short and long term, IS to always work together as a team, a company, a cohort, an army, a group of armies, to achieve common goals and victories over this place. Our Goal IS to always share knowledge and experiences with fellow soldiers and to form bonds of Camaraderie that span our differences outside this place. Our Goal IS to teach our fellow soldiers what we know and learn from them what they know. Our Goal IS to leave this place Victorious, with ALL of our memories, knowledge and experiences of what we have learned here INTACT, so we can ALL be better Soldiers, better Leaders, better people.”
And again, another short pause.
“To that end, WE will be setting forth Doctrines to establish Standard Operating & Command Procedures, Long and Short Term Goals, Rules of Engagement, Rules of Behavior and appropriate Punishments for Infringements, should they occur. These Doctrines will be written down for ALL to read. These Doctrines will be established by ALL of US. Regardless of your current rank, you are free to suggest additions which will be discussed and added based on how it can improve upon what WE already want to accomplish and how WE want to accomplish it. Once all Doctrines have been agreed upon and set, ALL soldiers of the Amber Army, including ALL current commanders, will read it and mark it in your own blood to make it binding for ONE and ALL.”
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
[a few suggestions to add to what was posted above for the month plan and what ever we add later]
Never Raid the Camps of the other 4 Armies sent here for Training/Testing.
Raiding of other Armies Camps is restricted to Enemy Forces ONLY.
Non-Combatants and Non-Hostiles will be treated with dignity and respect and will NEVER be attached or raided.
Sexual Fraternization with anyone MUST be Consensual. Sexual Fraternization with non-Amber Soldiers is permitted, but care must be taken in these situations and a Commander should be consulted in each case.
Always maintain good relations with those Armies and Commanders you can, even if they are not Allied Forces.
Maintain cooperation and information flow amongst Commanders and Troops alike.
Do not destroy crops or orchards or wild food patches once we have taken what we need.
The use of Massively Destructive Forces used against Enemy Forces that could affect the environment or terrain, thus affecting our Army, must be used only in the most dire of situations and when all other options have been exhausted.
The Use of Torture against Enemy Combatants as a form of Interrogation to gain Information is highly restricted and should only be used when all other information resources have been exhausted.
The Use of Torture against non-combatants and non-hostiles as a form of Interrogation to gain Information is FORBIDDEN.
The taking of Prisoners of War is highly restricted and will be evaluated on a case by case basis by Command.


====<big>Adledross: A New Base Camp and Broken Rules</big>====


*'''Michael James Watson'''
After the weeks of measured advances the amber forces break in the hilly lands. Ahead are hundreds of miles of rolling hills, wooded dells, rivers, creeks, and bright green thick grasses. The sun is hot and the air humid.  The troops have manged well. They are supplied with local foods having found numerous melon patches, fruit orchards, and other supplies of potatoes, onions, turnips, pineapples, apples, and stone fruits including avocado and apricots. Water has been plentiful and after finding growths of gourds water containers are plentiful too.  Looking far into the distance, after many hills, is a red bard to the left, and a white stricture in the middle path slightly further in. At the horizon a herd of wild-horses ride over the hills to disappear; No one from the Adledross has contacted either the Amberites or the Reen.  The Reen stayed on pace with the Amberites, cooperating with ground actions as needed. None of the other three groups have been seen.  

*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Since weeks have passed, Command has surely changed several times during the advance through the forest. In his Leadership Role, whether he is in command or just an advisor, Realmer will advise caution in crossing though this area. If the locals are not hostile, he advises that the Army not destroy the lands while crossing them, as much as is possible, and maintain friendly relations with those locals.
However, this could well be a trap and there could be Enemy Forces lying in wait within the valleys of those rolling hills and in those structures.  
In fact, Realmer finds the view a little too idyllic, a little too welcoming. Realmer takes the time to Actively Disbelieve what he is seeing. He also brings up the Pattern, walks it to its center then looks through the Lens at the world in front of him. Is this truly what he is seeing?  
If it turns out he is just being paranoid, then so be it. Either way, he comments, while sitting atop his colorful horse, Graso, "The Wild Horses could be an asset; if we can capture and train enough of them. Even if we cannot train them for riding or combat, they can surely be trained to carry our gear and supplies."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
None of the leadership of the cohort has changed after 3 weeks. the break through occurred on the 22nd day on Adledross
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"We wait here, where we have a view. Send Stealth Scout Teams to sneak down to those buildings and investigate. Bob, maintain Psychic Tracking on each Scout Team Leader and report their findings back to me. If they are inhabited and are established to be not a threat, we negotiate for passage through these lands if needed, the we can move our forces through the area towards those Wild Horses and the great peak beyond. We should expect Enemy Forces on mounts or humanoids of the grasslands and hills, such as Gnolls and Bugbears. Commanders? Sub-Commanders? Wing Commanders? Any thing else we should be considering or doing here?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dandilar-"The buildings are not far away. An hour or two. We should support the scouts with forces close to hand if needed.
Alex steps up , "Commander, I recommend we send a sizable force of our cavalry experts on dragonback to fly far afield from the structures ahead and attempt to make contact with the horses. We have Kashfans, Theguls, and Diagans that we have all had to hear complain about walking. If we could secure even a hundred horse it would greatly help our advance.
Carston, Regardless of the structures or the horses, now is a good time to set up camp. Along the way we have collected suitable material for housing. Just inside the tree line would be a good place to set up another of your kitchens."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Excellent ideas; all. Dandilar, take a force down the hill to an area more or less central to the buildings as support. Tesa, assign Scout Teams to each building but you will lead none of them; I have another assignment for you and another team."
"Wing Commander Talodak, would you mind having some men and dragons ferry our horse deficient cavalry to those herds we saw? Use the Trump of me I gave you to communicate once you find the herds. I will want to know all you have seen. Alexandir, you are welcome to accompany them, since it was your idea... though I doubt you will find a horse in that herd large enough to bear your weight."
"Carston, take charge of laying out the camp areas for all Cohorts and Wings, if Wing Commander Talodak approves. Once you have the areas marked and cleared let me know and I will get the Kitchens established."
"Commander Traxton, take charge of gathering building materials for shelters and latrines and wood for fires. Commander Kablin, that leaves digging latrines and establishing outer defenses."
"Fort, this is an excellent place for the next in our series of Transport Trump locations. I will Trump back to the last location, the Apple Orchard with the Spring, I will take Tesa and her team with me. I will carve out the Trump for this place and return once done. I will create the Kitchens before I leave. You have my Trump if needed. Everyone, you have your orders and know what to do. If there is nothing else; move out."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Talodak and Carston walk off together to go to where the dragons rest in the sun, sleeping. They start pointing at locations. Kablin and Traxton come up and Realmer notes that Carston is giving the orders to them and tal, who all seem to agree. It isn't long before they separate to their groups.
Alexandir is standing nearby, Smiling, he looks over, "Prince Realmer, Dandilar says that when the cohorts have a cavalry he shall assign me to it. Sine we intend to grab those horses and you referred to our "horse deficient cavalry" can I assume that we now have a cavalry force, at least in name? And having been assigned to the cavalry I shall be allowed a horse?".
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Alex, if we can find a horse, or other mount, suitable to your size and weight, then the answer is yes. And I am not a Prince, Alexandir. Only a Lord. But here, not even that, just a Commander of an Army."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Oh you said titles beyond here were not important. so here, I greet you as a prince. I was told I could not use powers unusual to others. Well, we have a cavalry now."
He steps off, puts two fingers to his lips and whistles a sound like a steam train. Turning he smiles at Realmer.
"By the teats of the unicorn, I think I have found a horse suitable to my size.....He should be here in an hour or three."
He nods and walks off toward the Dragonriders.


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smiles and says, "I am so glad I can make that man happy." It's hard to tell if he really means it, or if he is being sublimely sarcastic.
"Shame I won't be here to see the arrival of the horse that will hold that mountain of a man and the initial responses of the troops. But I will see it soon enough."
Realmer studies the area carefully, from several angles to establish the point of arrival for the Site Trump arrival point.
Once the Kitchen area is determined and cleared, Realmer will Release his Hung Spell on the Sigil of the Spiral; Secure Shelter with a Kitchen in mind like last time, but larger, more firepits and baking ovens, more prep tables and dining tables and benches, less open air with storage cupboards and bins build into the walls and within the rafters of the ceiling. There are also smokers built into the chimneys in the upper rafters areas.
Once the Spell is completed and the structure comes into being, he will quickly inspect it then gather Tesa and her Team. They will Trump back to the Apple Orchard with the Spring and Realmer will carve and ink the Trump into the selected tree for this Site; this should take an hour or so. Then Realmer and Tesa's team will return here via the new Site Trump, just like the previous times Site Trumps were created.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort meets you at the kitchen. "Alex called Orcbreaker or else someone nearby has a steam locomotive. I'm curious to see if the Lord's of Adledross allow it here. When our companions came I didn't even consider summoning my Ranyhyn. As much as I've enjoyed our Reen friends I've never been wild about riding dragon back.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer chuckles. "I know what you mean. Though the travel is quick... if that is what is required. Ranyhyn... I know that word. Prince Julian and Sir Gangdis were talking about them while we were in Adagalasck some years back. I don't recall too much about them, or the conversation, was never much into horse flesh. But it did come up while Morganstern and Graso here were off frolicking in the grassy plains outside the North Stair. Perhaps you should attempt to summon it now. After all, we do have a cavalry on the way... couldn't hurt to try."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort chuckles.. "Just what I always wanted; to be a cavalry man. I haven't spoken to Graso much, just polite bardic courtesy. But if Fester says she is an Adagalasck Ranyhyn that will tell me a lot. Still, it better then walking or flying. It's a pity that blink and teleport are part of my Attribute.". He whistles.
After a few minutes of camp details a thin tan horse runs over the hills excitedly. Prancing, dancing as it comes to Fort, who hugs its neck. " I know....I know....me too....well, I'm in a horse land now.....what? Oh yes..of course..... "
He leaps to its back landing lightly. " I'll make a wide reconnaissance . Apparently I'm about to be nagged by my nag for giving it immortality then ignoring it. "
They ride off as one.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The Reen cavalry flight takes off for the horse hills.
Forces move to a central point between the two objectives. They set up observation points and investigate at a distance.
Establishing camp is done effectively including setting aside kitchen space, water storage, and building shelter for stored supplies.
The trip to the Apple orchard finds squatters sitting in the shade eating apples. About forty. They look human, mostly men but a few women and a couple children. grabbed in medieval attire. Swords and daggers mostly. They jump to their feet, pulling bags of apples and back away hurriedly from the Trump point.
A dozen of them take a rough defensive line in front of the others...Swords out. Behind the some ,including a couple women hurriedly string bows.
One in the group starts speaking loudly. Pointing with his sword at the trees. He seems more scared then angry but also looks ready to fight and skilled at it. His language is guttural and unfamiliar .
Tesa warns her group of 6 to spread out, make ready but not to engage unless attacked.
Their group does not advance, but seem ready to fight.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer holds his hands up in the classic 'I mean you no harm' gesture and his face shows the half smile, half frown that people wear when they pass each other on the street and want to show that they are not a threat but are a bit cautious.
Not recognizing the language is strange to Realmer as he knows so many languages and many new languages are similar enough to another for him to pick it up. To find a language is he completely unfamiliar with is a treat, but also a bit of a pain as he has not had need of a Spell for translation in decades... and does not have one memorized or hung.
He takes a few minutes to weave and cast a High Order Spell: Tongues. He then points to all there, including himself and his team then says "To understand and to be understood."
Realmer nods to the man who was shouting then says, "I did not understand your words before. I am sorry we startled you. We do not mean you any harm."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He looks startled.. The fighters step back.. He starts pleading and the spell doesn't translate well.. he seems to be pleading.. Words like demon and hungry.. please . no...
He puts his blade down, turns and speaks quickly,. they look among each other and two men and one woman put their weapons down and the others back away.. The woman walks forward, pleading.. something like take me for them.... It seems strange the language spell does not work like it should.
Tesa tells the scouts to sheath weapons.
T-"I've heard a lot of languages but their sounds.....strange....
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes. To me as well, Tesa. And my Spell is not working as it should. It sounds to me like they think us demons and that we want to eat them. And these are offering themselves to us to save the rest."
Realmer turns to the woman approaching and speaks gently and slowly with a non-threatening tone and facial expression.
"No harm. No eat." He point to her and her people. "No demons." He points to himself and his team. Then he points to the apples and pantomimes plucking one and eating it. He then points to the water and pantomimes scooping water and drinking. Then he points to himself and his group. He smiles and nods his head and backs away a few paces.
"Tesa, have everyone back away then let us be about our business here. I don't think we can communicate with them effectively and I don't think they mean us any harm. But keep watch. I will make my way over there, to that non-apple tree in the brush to carve the Trump. Bob, fly up and get a view of the area. Let Tesa know if there is anything of note. Don't disturb my work unless it's vital."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
They look confused but a bit less scared. the one in back stand, start sheathing weapons. The speaker steps up beside the woman, puts a hand on her shoulder, whispers. She shakes her head and steps back. He steps forward. Speaks slowly, almost conversationally.
Bob flies up and immediately tells you a body of horsemen will be there in moments. Looks like 60 or so riding hard dodging through the trees, leveling short crude wood lances that look locally made. They may be the horseman from Adledross but they look better armed then before. Plate armor for them and horse.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Take cover and concealment! Horsemen coming fast, they might ride through."
Realmer grows claws and quickly climbs into the nearest large tree that will afford concealment well above the heads of the mounted men... an old trick he learned from an Elven Archer Ranger. He knows Tesa and her team know how and where to hide so he does not worry about them. And due to the language barrier, he knows he cannot afford to waste time trying to explain to these people to hide.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The people scatter as the horseman break into the clearing, they level lances and begin chasing down the people running on foot. Swinging cudgels to knock down ones they can't reach with lance. Two men are pierced on the first charge.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Passing through quickly they turn to charge again, clearly having been tracking the group. The men draw blades and move to fight, the archers climb up to low branches and prepare to fire.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer realizes that the indigenous peoples are highly over matched and that once the armored cavalry is done with the indigenous peoples, they will certainly turn on Realmer and his small crew. Realmer also does not like bullies or evil men, and these indigenous peoples seemed friendly enough, once the shock of Realmer's Team's magical arrival wore off. Realmer knows he must take action now.
As the cavalry charges for their second approach, Realmer releases a High Order Spell hung on his Sigil of Paragon; Electric Arcs of Disruption.
The Spell is designed to incapacitate the victims and possibly render them unconscious. It acts much like a very strong Neural Disrupt Power Word plus a very strong Taser or Stun Gun. The Electric Arcs leap from the caster's fingertips of both hands, the caster may point both hands at a single target or two separate targets. When the Arcs strike the first victim(s), it will affect their nervous system with a strong electric shock, but not damaging, just incapacitating, causing loss of motor function and uncontrollable muscle spasms. The Arc will then split into two Arcs and then jump to the next closest target, affecting that victim the same as the previous, then splitting and jumping again. This process of splitting and jumping will continue until no victim's are within range, or the Arcs reach the spells maximum range. The initial Arcs can be 'fired' from the caster's hands up to 100 ft. After striking the first victim(s), each Arc can travel up to 30 ft. The maximum area of affect of the spell is 300 ft from the caster. The Arcs do not travel in a straight line and can move in any direction, including back towards the caster, but will not target or affect the caster. Due to the electrical nature of this spell, it is highly effective against metal armored targets, especially in large scale close combat. Also, the Arcs will be drawn to targets with metal over targets without metal. The more metal, the more attracted the Arcs will be. This spell only targets living creatures.
This Spell was designed with Amberites in mind, so anyone under Amber Ranked Endurance WILL be fully incapacitated for several hours, anyone of Human Rank Endurance will be rendered unconscious for several hours and incapacitated for half a day or more. Those of Amber Rank Endurance or above will be incapacitated for at least an hour or more, depending upon Endurance Ranking. Side Effects of muscles spasms for a few seconds to a minute or two, can last for up to half as long as the victim was incapacitated or unconscious.
When the first two armored horsemen are in range, Realmer will target them both with the initial Arcs. Being that the men are mounted, the mount is most likely to take one of the two split off Arcs, and the other Arc most likely will travel to the next armored foe... or so Realmer hopes. Once he launches his Spell, he is sure Tesa and Team will know what they need to do.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The Spell arcs among the first four men and horse and bounces among them as they skewered targets that also take ambient electrical damage. as they fall.
The second and third groups spread left and right away from the electricity.
In the back group a horse and rider stop suddenly. A shimmering red symbol rises before him that absorbs the electricity that reaches it. Fireballs travel down the arcs toward Realmer.
Th archers in the tree start shooting at those scattering and the fighters jump up to try and hamstring the mounts and to pull the lances from their companions.
Tesa and the scouts disappear in the brush and move dispatching fallen riders, trying to stay away from electricity and fire.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
The instant Realmer sees the Red Symbol and the Fireballs, he releases his Bodily Defense Spell hung on the Sigil of the Pattern, which fills the body with magical energy devoted to blocking out external influences; Magic, Trump, Pattern, Logrus, etc.
Realmer shifts to his winged Nosferatu Form, knowing the Spell will protect him, then he takes flight amid the fiery barrage, hopefully avoiding any fiery debris from the fireballs hitting the upper branches of the tree he was in.  
He thinks loudly, 'Bob! Confusion Storm Spell on the back group then barrage of Eye Stalk Powers on the left and right groups... watch out for our scouts.'
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The confusion storm lands on the group breaking their attack. The wizard among them is unaffected. He looks up at Bob and aims a blast of stones on him each flying at great speed in his area peppering him hard at his height.  
He flees screeching something about itching. The wizard screams "AMBERITE!!!!! Stop this NOW or my knight commander will know we have a war with your nation!!!!"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer calls out from the air, "AMBERITES! WITHDRAW! Wizard! Can we parlay? I have no desire to start a war between our Nations."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Horsemen rush to their wounded. Tesa makes herself seen to Realmer from a shadow but remains hidden. The wizard nudges the horse forward.
"We have been chasing this prey for several days. We had not seen your forces. We believed you are ahead now. Why have you come back to fight this prey band? Is there no pray ahead?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer, still in the air, flies down closer to the ground and Shifts to his Adask Form but keeps the wings. He lands but does not fully fold his wings to his back.
"We are not hunting prey and my reasons for returning here do not involve this band of people. They were friendly enough to us after we arrived, so I thought them not a threat and planned to continue what we were about, then your armored cavalry arrived... I did not recognize your peoples or horses as I barely got a chance to see your Nation's Forces before you left the arrival point. And being that you are now fully armored and horses fully barded, I thought you an Enemy Force passing through, perhaps on the Amberite Army's heels. Seeing your Cavalry attack this Band made me realize my Team had little chance of survival if you were indeed an Enemy Force. I reacted as any Soldier would and tried to take advantage of surprise and the Band at hand to help defeat a threat. My apologies for the confusion. As I said, I have no intention of starting a war with your Nation. I am Commander Relmopator. Again, my apologies. The electricity was mostly non-damaging and the effects will wear off in a while."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The wizard nods, "You actions are reasonable under the circumstances and I shall convey to my knight commander that we have agreed the indecent was a draw a well as an unintended conflict. As for our equipment, we fought a cavalry force in the first week. 1800 mounted horse. The battle was furious and their tactics depended on wide-bladed falcions, as you see. They tried to charge into us but the ground was not suited for it. We closed, and had to leap to their beasts and bear them to the ground. we slew all 1800 and 200 horse, though we lost 900 of our 1200. Once they resurrected we stripped the dead, armed. We have horse armor for 600 horse and 600 panalopys that we might trade for food since we are not of a class to harvest ourselves. We have been told by that short man who spoke to us as if we were tyros that we must speak with the rivals armies as we fought our way to the eastern sea. So now, despite our differences in rank, I speak to you, Amberite. "
He nods in what he must think is a form of respect.
"If you are not hunting this prey, I assume you will continue your course and allow us to continue. This is not a difficult prey but one must learn to fight grounders eventually."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"We also have 600 horse trade. they are proving to be unsuited to being used as bests of burden. They are back at camp working on the fortifications"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"An unintended conflict ending in a draw. Agreed. As for trade, the Amberites are certainly interested in what you offer; armor, barding and horses, and we have food stuffs to trade. If you travel north through the forest until you reach the grassy hills, you will easily find our camp, and the camp of the Reen, within the edge of the forest. I will have returned by then, I'm sure. Bring what your people wish to trade and you will leave with food for your troops."
"We will not further interrupt your training." Realmer nods to the Wizard in respect and moves away, but not towards Tesa or the tree he is planning to carve the Trump upon. He moves off into the woods a little ways away from the clearing, out of sight of the Horsemen and he waits for Tesa and Team to gather.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The speaker starts yelling to Realmer as he starts to leave.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa and the other 6 show themselves almost immediately.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa is quiet, looking back toward the clearing.
"Well? "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I don't trust them, and I don't like that they are preying on small weak groups... but we have an agreement. The Trump here can wait... we can come back in a day or two, but for now, I'd rather not stay any longer. Everyone gather close; we're going back to Camp. Bob, Trump us all to the Kitchens back at Camp."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa steps back against a tree, turning into its shadow she disappears.
The others looks unsurprised but wait for Realmer to open the trump.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Tesa, we do not want to start a war with them. Behave and be careful. See you back at camp. Bob, take us there now."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Arriving at the camp it seems well on its way though no much time has passed.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer wanders camp quickly, recalling he has wings, due to stares, he Shifts them off, then he gathers the Commanders and Fort. He relays the events of the encounter and the possibility of trade and what was offered. He also let's them know he did not complete the Trump, under the circumstance it seemed risky, but intends to return in a day or two.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort hears this, "How long has passed? An hour?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"At most, yes. What have you in mind, Fort?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"The trump, now." He extends his hand.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer hands over the Dragonskin Trump of the Apple Orchard.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He opens it, "Going to go find my sister"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The dragons flying back from the horse hills start landing in the Reen fields.
Tal lands his dragon near the Amber camp and starts walking over. He looks ruffled like after fight.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tal-"Commander, your cavalry is on its way back. We met a force of Lizardmen stalking the wild beasts. a few thousand. you Alexandir seems to have found a monster of a horse among them and he ended up breaking the Lizardmen mostly himself. My understanding from him is that they will break the horse in on the way back here. The troops didn't have much trouble with the horses as they seemed to want to follow Alex and his massive beast almost fawningly. a bit pathetic really... ah.. you alright there, Realmer?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yeah, just had an encounter with the Horsemen back at the Apple Orchard..." Realmer gives Tal the details.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tal nods, "That sounds like them. I was not encouraged in our encounter with them either. I'm going to go speak with the Reen. There are at least 4 large forces on the hills that I could see, lizard troops. ground forces. possibly a weeks march for you. We can confer later. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer barely looks at Tal as he speaks. He chews his lip then nods his head to Tal, even though he has already walked away. The distracted and irritated look on Realmer's face is surely an indicator that he needs time to himself... or should not be bothered, at the very least. Bob knows better though, and hangs close... he know Realmer's mannerisms too well.
Realmer moves about Camp, giving his visual attention to the goings on around him, perhaps even reflexively giving an order or responding to someone using Hand Signs... but his mind is filled with concern, anger and doubt.
Realmer curses himself under his breath several times, his anger rising up at those Horsemen, at Tesa, and mostly at himself... causing him to gnash his teeth and unconsciously partially shift his features to that of his Nosferatu Form.
Why didn't I try to do more for that band of people? Why did I leave Tesa behind? Why didn't I order her to come back? Why didn't I stay and find her myself? Why do I give her so much free rein? I know I must give her some room to operate, being skilled in the professions she is... but have I been giving her too much latitude? Have I been playing favorites?
Bob always hears when Realmer talks to himself in his head. But more than just hearing his Master's thoughts, Bob can also feel his feelings and knows his concerns and fears. Bob knows when to remain silent and when to speak. Bob is a Good Familiar.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
As he fumes for a bit he realizes he has walked beyond the camp into the forest. Looking up he sees a treehouse . Without thinking he climbs up noticing how well hidden it was it just be a miracle he even saw it. Climbing in he sees Percy leaning against the tree. Hundreds of tiny floating images hover in front of him.
To one side as a handy of dried meat with a dagger in it. A stack of cheese beside it and several bottles of brandy.
"Good to see you, sir. Please have a seat. There's smoked perfectly normal beast, a nice hard cheddar, and Napoleon Brandy that I can assure you is authentic since I personally stole it from Napoleon.".
He touches one of the tiny images and it fills the far side of the small fort. It shows a curious battle between lizards and Kzin. " damned cats attacked a superior for down 5 to one. Foolish...I'm going to pop down there. Krazel is a piss cutter and when this year is over he's going to see me in a new the coat. "
He smiles, fills his glass, fills a second and pushes it over. "I watched your encounter with the drtida√€°dans. Let's call them the Drtida. A refugee band of 600 with perhaps 180 warriors. You only found a small group. I feel your moral quandary. The Torchbearers were hunting them hard...they were bound to kill them all but your stalker and Fortunadas are making a merry mess of them. Not high church, militarily, but brutal. We are going to let them finish, rescue the Drtida, bring them back to your camp. Tesa has done nothing disallowed so she's just going to get a small slap. But The Bard well......I suppose he didn't technically break the rules he agreed to. He did not Raise his Aspect or Wield his Attribute, exactly.....see part of his godhood package includes never forgetting anything. So...He knows the summoning call for hundreds of creatures. He summoned 3 Dufiro of war and one of guard. That's a bit outside our scope of these games. And we thought it would be Alex who pissed us off. All he did was summon a horse. A big one, but still...a horse. Please understand, we have to punish him. So when the monster comes for him, feel free to step aside. "
He shifts to watch a different battle.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer nods a thank you to Percy helps himself to the smoked beast and cheese and savors the flavor of both while he listens to Percy talk and as he looks at the floating images. He reaches for the second glass after several bites, takes a small sip and then another, his face lighting up. He looks into the glass, sniffs it like a sommelier, tries a bit more and smiles.
"Finally, a version of 'the grape' that I actually like. This is quite fine, Percy; thank you for sharing it. I have an aversion to wine... and all forms of alcohol based on grapes, so I never bothered to try brandy, knowing what it was made from. But this..." he pauses, trying to find the right word... he tries another sip and says, "Magnifique... if I said it correctly."
"And what of my monster? What form shall it take? Will it be more than having to look the Drtida in the eyes knowing I let some of their people die? Will it be more than having to live with the consequences of my actions, and lack of actions? And I don't just mean the Drtida, I mean how I left Tesa behind. I should have stayed and brought her back with me. I had an argument with the Crown Prince of Amber about this very subject, which is what led me to come here... and I did it again. I am beginning to wonder..." he sighs, "If I made a mistake by coming here, and if those in charge made a mistake by putting me in command. I was only looking to learn the Soldierly Arts to keep from getting my ass handed to me in melee combat and pick up some tactics and a few other handy military skills. But I never considered leadership as one of them."
Realmer shakes his head and clears his mind then says, "And listen to me... sniveling and whining into my brandy because I had responsibility handed to me and I wasn't prepared for it... like everything else in life."
He takes a deep breath and sighs. "I swore to myself I would get through this without giving in and I meant it. I will learn from my mistakes, and pay for them as well. So, what punishment must I bear for my failures?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He leans back in a poetic pose much like Fort is fond of.
"Probably guilt. And perhaps a bit of angst and nightmare..a hangover maybe. But misplaced at that. Oh, the Drtida may be hard to look in the eye but that will pass, and telling them that they will be reunited with their dead won't convince them. In a way, being brought here to be hunted and slain is a blessing. The function of Adledross picked them randomly out of shadow. They were on their home world being chased by Chaosian monstrosities to be gathered, taken to Chaos and cooked. Now the 600 of them are here merely being hunted. They are slain here and resurrect in the East with a compulsion to go west. When one of them reaches your first camp, they transport back to their home world just in time for dinner. So it's a trade off. When the Drtida first arrived they had 6000....now.....600 spread out across the continent. So it goes"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"As for your woes of leadership, many a surprising man becomes a leader. Most aren't born to it. Most become leaders out of necessity. You may never lead an army. But you might have to someday. To be clear, most soldiers never speak to me. I'm an observer tasked with appreciating the poetry of the warriors. But I've taken an interest in you. The Adledross seem to think you might join the ranks of the observers someday. If not, you are a royal of Amber.."
He picks up some cheese and nibbles....laughs.. "As for the wine......ask Fortunadas what a 'Weirdness' is in the Tosa/York universe is. Tell him I told you you have '-2 having drunk wine' here, if you drink wine you get marginally unlucky. Brandy however, stopped being Wine."
Edited
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I agree with you completely, Percy; brandy is not wine. Thank you again for your wonderful gift..." he raises the glass and finishes the last bit, savoring the flavor. "Gifts. Thank you for your gifts; your interest in me and your perspective and candor. Without these, I feel I would still be cursing myself in the forest and might continue to do so."
He sets the empty glass down and nibbles a bit of meat before asking, "What form shall Tesa's punishment take? Is it something I will need to dole out? And what form shall Fort's monster take? So I know when to step aside and order the others to do likewise?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
" You are not an instructor here yet. She will bear her punishment in ways I'm sure you will find humorous and she will find annoying. But she is here to learn as well. As for Fort, bear in mind that neither he nor Alexandir are here to learn. Nor can we teach them leadership. Alexandir was a born leader even before magic made him a god. He was a leader as a child before he first picked up a blacksmith's hammer. Fort, he was a dealmaker and negotiator from birth. He is a snikurra master, a Quad Bard, a thrice crowned bard, high priest of Venki, a child not of the blood of a person who needed not to touch the World Stone to be worshiped, and mate of a primal being. Alexandir came here to bond with Benedict by showing him the advantages of having him as a Golden Circle king. Fortunadus of Tosa came here to bond with you. Bear what I have told you in mind. "
Realmer finds himself looking out of the forest towards camp. Fort and Tesa are speaking to a large band of the Drtida as troopers see to their needs.
He realizes he has a half empty bottle of Napoleon's brandy in his hand still.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer walks back into camp, bottle still held loosely in his hand. He moves casually towards the group near Fort and Tesa, but waits at a slight distance. He looks among the faces of the Drtida... he sighs to himself and shakes his head slightly. He waits until Fort and Tesa notice him, then he takes a swig off the bottle and moves towards them slowly with no expression on his face. He stops when he is close enough for them them tell he has been drinking but still outside of easy striking distance.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa a looks at Fort who shrugs, "Commander, I made a decision under combat conditions. Punish me for disobeying your orders but I will not apologize. " she stands at attention. Fort steps a few places away.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"So, 32, you know you disobeyed an order and you know you should be punished for it... good. Tell Drishti she is in command of the stealth scouts until further notice... you may earn it back. Until we break camp your primary responsibility will be the Drtida; the people you saved and brought back with you. When you are not helping them you will be guard duty or kitchen duty and when we leave you will fill in all the latrines."
"33; since you decided to lead a rescue mission alone and without orders, and brought the Drtida back here, your primary responsibility is the same as 32's until we break camp; the Drtida's needs. When you're not helping them, I want you on outer defenses and guard duty... just in case we have problems with the Lizardmen roaming the hills... or if we have made a new enemy of the Treba Cursis Horsemen. And when we leave you will help 32 fill in those latrines... without magic."
Realmer sighs and takes a swig of the bottle. "Now that that's out of the way..." he looks Tesa and Fort in the eyes, "you both did a good thing today; the right thing. I hope both of you were stealthy enough in your actions to not be recognized as being from the Amberite Army... we don't need a war with the Treba Cursis. And if they still show up for trading purposes, I don't want either of you recognizable. Tesa, use those Shape Shifting skills I taught you. Fort... I'm sure you have a way to change your appearance. So... tell me. What happened out there?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa looks to Fort who smiles. She starts thinking on facial sifting. "Am I dismissed?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, you are dismissed" he says to Tesa.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort watches her go, then twists his lip and raises an eyebrow.
"What happened out there? Well, Its a question of what you want to know and what you are willing to know? There are 3 things to see and say. One is what I found Tesa doing when I found her and their response to that. Second is what the horseman were doing when Tesa got there. And third, is what I did to clean the mess up and give the horseman a different foe to be angry at. I suspect my actions were outside the guidelines here but if I was given a chances to make my case I think I didn't break any of the rules I agreed to when I came here. Others might see it differently. "
He looks over as Tesa starts sorting out the Drtida.
"How much has she told you about her past? Not her time in Amber with Gangdis but her time in the city of Sanctuary in the Rankin Empire? And what her protector Conf sent her to learn? I'm guessing she has been vague about both, if not totally silent about becoming a Daughter of Conf. Yes? You should decide how much of that stuff you really want to know. I'll tell you, but it will be damned hard to unknow once you know. I'm of the opinion that Rasak and Adledross were bad choices for her but she is young still, and perhaps she needed to make this bad choice. Who among us has not had careers we regret, eh Necromancer?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well... that career was forced upon me, and I wouldn't say I regret it... I made the best of a bad situation. But I certainly know your meaning. We all have to make bad choices in order to learn. And the choice to come here was not entirely her own; if it was I don't think she would have. I know enough about Tesa for now; some she has told me, some I have learned from other sources, some I have learned though experience and observation. You don't need to tell me more unless you feel compelled to do so for some reason."
Realmer takes a sip of the bottle of brandy and continues.
"The less I know about what happened out there concerning you and Tesa, as your Commander, the better; plausible deniability. And if the Treba Cursis are as despicable as I think they are, it's better I don't know about that either; spare me the nightmares and anger... we may still have to trade with them. But if and when that happens, I don't want them IN our camp or even too near it. We need to establish a meeting area outside camp that is to our advantage and to their disadvantage; as part of outer defenses, that falls to you as well."
Another sip. "Alex is returning with the cavalry now and had a run in with some Lizardmen so might be bringing back supplies so some sort. Tal told me that Alex said the horses will be broken in and trained by the time they get back here. Looking forward to seeing the massive steed that can bear that mountain of a man. We should also do some more hunting and smoking of meats while we are here; we will need to replenish our stocks and replenish any we trade away... plus we have more mouths to feed now."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort nods, "Well, don't be surprised if the horseman are really angry at the Kzin. Take a mutual tone on that angle with them. the building to the left doesn't look like part of a farm or hamlet. If its empty, its less then an hour ride. That should be far enough from our camp. And it might be a good idea to keep the Drtida here. They are a farming people it seems but from their language its close to chaos. One of the....ah....things that looked like Kzin, recognized the language. Its been devilishly long since I didn't recognize one. Black Zone world. A feeder people. They mostly raise food for themselves before becoming food themselves. Chaos likes their meals feisty. They might serve well maintaining our base for that kind of maintenance as we hop across the continent. Also, there seem to be a lot of them. several thousand I guess, but spread out too."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"They are spread out across the continent, but their numbers have dwindled to under a thousand, according to my source. That same source tells me you and Tesa did break some rules and will be punished accordingly."
"Check with the scouts as to the disposition of those buildings, I had them looking into them when we sent the Reen with our cavalry members to get their mounts. They should be back by now."
"And when you say, 'maintaining our base', are you suggesting a permanent or semi-permanent base where we leave the Drtida to tend it in out absence? Or are you suggesting taking them with us to maintain our camp? Because I can get behind the latter."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"We are leap frogging across the continent. Every man knows how to build and tears down camp. We may be in camp for a couple weeks each as we go along. Wouldn't hurt to have people here tending to day to day things as we soldier on. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I'm concerned about them being attacked here... but they would be attacked anywhere on this world... I guess at least here their position would be defensible and they would have our support as we move in and out of here. And if they are allied with us, perhaps the other armies will be less inclined to bother them. Have them trained in our camp processes and procedures and for communication... perhaps some of our Hand Signs."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Oh! I almost forgot. Percy said 'Tell him I told you you have '-2 having drunk wine'. He also said, 'here if you drink wine you get marginally unlucky'. Though I think that last part was for my benefit. He also suggested that I ask you what a 'Weirdness' is in the Tosa/York universe. So, what is a 'Weirdness'?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Weirdness?" He really said it that way? I'm getting to like this Percy. Wine, now Brandy, and interesting clues.. Ah... in the Tosa/York multiverse most people have a knack or glitch of some type. they work out to preferences in the end....One person likes longswords, feel comfortable with them. Feels clumsy with maces, can't work a polearm, has good eyesight, smells good to animals. good tracker, respond well to certain types of spells, responds poorly to certain type of spells. has a familiar, ambidextrous, good hearing... high tolerance to spirits, low tolerance to wine, . Fast talker, poker face.. There are millions of these things and culturally they get lumped together as 'One's Weirdness' Percy is telling you your dislike of wine is from having a weirdness for not handling wine well. As a Quad I apparently started with 4 but the forces of nature gave me 7; Ambidextrous, Talk to animals-essentially understands animals well, Throw weapons naturally, a familiar, awkward with two handed weapons, Fast Talker, and Pokerface. Since then I've gone through a place on Tosa where one may take the risk to gain more. Doing so I gained positive ones of Gambler, Quick Actions, a resistance to poisons and alcohols. and comfortableness with bows. I also gained negative aspects of unaffected by blessings, a vulnerability to fighting undead, and a tendency to act as a kleptomaniac on occasion. Hmm what world were you actually born on?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"To the best of my knowledge, I was born on a world called Montagar... but much what I know about my earliest years have recently turned out to be lies."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Interesting...I wonder where Montagar is in the scope of things.. If it was in the York Sway it would explain a lot..."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well... I didn't know how things worked back then, but piecing it together now, I know that after Dworkin took me away from Montagar, the world he took me to was called Oerth in the Gygax System... Gamer Worlds I believe they are called. The trip was quick, even to my recollection of things in those days; a short walk of about 15 minutes that took me down a path that did not exist before and through about a dozen worlds that I could distinguish. Since coming to Amber I have not returned to either place so I am not exactly sure where they lie in the cosmology of things. Not sure if that helps or not."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer takes another sip. "My intuition tells me... that Percy told me to tell you for a reason... and that what he said was meant as much for me as it was for you... Percy certainly knows much... perhaps this matter bears investigation when time permits."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks at Fort with a wicked smile and a gleam in his eyes when he asks, "Hey Fort... you wouldn't have happened to have seen a map of the Multiverse at some point in your life, have you?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Gygax Sway? Never heard it called that but I am familiar with Gamer Worlds. Tosa& York are deep in those lands north of Amber but close enough that it once had a Shade of Amber in it. Percy may well have told us that you were born in a gamer world near Tosa so possibly gained a weirdness though in many cases people never know what they are and just think it part of their preferences. As for cosmology maps, I've sen many of them over the year, and a lot more since coming to Amber. Arlo and I have gone over them. Why?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Just curious. Sounds like I was born close enough for it to count, regardless of actual location of the world. And wine is not the only Weirdness I have had in my lifetime... many of them during my adventuring career, but many changed over the years... many seemed to disappear after walking the Pattern."
Realmer smiles and looks around at camp getting set up and smells the aromas of cooking foods.
"Well, you have things to do... and so do I. I'll be going back to the Apple Orchard in a couple of days to create the Site Trump for here... the Arrival Point will be over there in that rough patch in the middle of those three large trees, facing north into the camp."
Realmer takes another sip off the bottle, checking the level of liquid after, then walks off towards the kitchens... the smells are making him hungry.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa seems to have the Drtida under control. In fact they seem eager to please her. They seem to take to Homesteading very well and the presence of a thousand Amberites, a thousand Reen and a 1000 dragons gives them a sense of security they have never known in Adledross.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
When she looks his way, he gives Tesa a smile, a 'good job' Hand Sign and raises his bottle to his lips and takes one last swallow... leaving one quarter of the liquid within. He walks into the kitchens and sits on a stone bench within the seating area at a long empty table near the center. He stares into the bottle, gathering Magic as he quickly weaves his own alcohol replenishing spell and finishes it by slowly saying the word 'refill' as he draws his finger up the bottle's side, bringing up the level of liquid as he does and stops near the top of the neck.
He looks around for something to cork the bottle with, then snickers and brings up the Pattern, walks it in his mind, then tweaks probability ever so slightly... reaches into his pocket and finds the bottle's cork... probably left there by Percy. He corks the bottle and watches the activities of camp as he waits for food to finish being cooked. When it is, he will get up and get served in line like everyone else; this is not an eatery with wenches, after all.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
When he tries to mold stuff or tweak shadow he gets a terrible headache as if he was trying to burn something in his brain
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
[forgot about that. hehe]
Realmer chuckles as he recalls how difficult it is to tweak things here. He gets up and finds a bit of wood to carve into a cork, sits back down and whittles/carves himself a cork for his treasured bottle of Napoleon Brandy.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
As Realmer carves on the wood, he realizes there will be quite a bit left over, so he begins carving it into a 'topper'... he snickers again as he begins carving a bust of Percy while focusing on his Trump Artistry... why not, he thinks to himself as he giggles again... fine brandy, thank you Percy... he continues to carve and shape until he feels he has the it almost enough to make contact... then stops to get some food... he's hungry.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Food is served as usual with Tesa showing the Drtida the kitchen duties which they take to well. the men wear their arms while happily chopping wood and doing other jobs. A few hours go by when he wanders and sees Fort leading the latrine crew in some ribald song.
He climbs out of the ditch, smiling " Almost done. Care to christen them? I can smell the kitchens. This will be downwind usually. May I?" He points to the bottle.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Only if your intention is to NOT smash this bottle against that latrine." He chuckles and hands over the bottle. "You've earned it."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I wouldn't dream of it.. " He pops the top and takes a chug, idly looking at the top. He turn his head to look at the topper.
"Please tell me that's Percy. Is it?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"It is indeed. Do you recognize his visage?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"This man is watching us and taken a personal interest in you? "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well... yes to both. He is an Observer here... and he specifically said he had taken an interest in me... where you going with this?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
'My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!'
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Yes I know him, not personally but his works, though they differ some from shadow to shadow. He wrote of the downfall and pride of great men. Percy Shelley... a great poet. His wife wrote horror novels."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Bob chimes in, in a smooth baritone voice, "You should remember those names and their works from your college years on that Earth World... I do. They even made movies from Mrs. Shelley's novels... but I enjoy the written form better."
Realmer looks to Bob, "I was more focused on my specialized training and schooling to pay much attention to the fictions and poetry of that world... plus the Cliff Notes got me through my pre-reqs and on to what I was there for. And you know I rarely paid any attention to television or movies."
He turns to Fort, "So... that explains the Poetry of the Warrior comment he made to me.... but why his personal interest in me... I can only guess, but it is welcomed at this time as his outsider's perspective has been most helpful to me, so I will not question it... much. And I will be thankful for it."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"They have odd observers in this place.. It makes me curious about who the Adledross are. We must be deep in shadow...It has 12 or so nations it allows to send contingents here starting in the west and steals people from shadow to be fodder from the east...That's a strange cosmological effect. It has at least two famous individual from Earth worlds here, probably more. Who knows who it has from elsewhere. Strange....."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Perhaps one day we will learn more about the Adledross...." he leaves it hanging for a moment, looking thoughtful, recalling Percy's words... all of them. "But for now, give me back that bottle..." he reaches over and grabs it and takes a swig. "And after nine years, you of all people should know by now, pre-dawn is the only time I 'talk to the man about the dragon'."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"what ever floats your boat. I'm going to walk the perimeter and check in with the Reen. Then I'm going to take horse east and meet Alex. If you don't mind"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"As long as it involves you stopping by that close building to have a look, then yes. And I will be going with you. I've been wanting to take Graso out and really see what he is capable of... and since Horse is... well, something special, maybe he can give him a good run."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He nods, "Fair enough. Lets be about it. I feel like a ride, maybe a sleep in the tall grass. And I'm looking forward to seeing Orcbreaker. It annoys Alex how it behaves around me:.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
[ I finally found the comment about Graso being Raynahen... and Graso is male (I thought female)]
(Julian crosses to Trualta with an uncharacteristic grin, "Lord Trualta, its my pleasure to meet you. I'd like you to consider me in your debt. I have not seen Morganstern this ...excited... in a century. That Ranyhyn Graso and he have become boon companions and are wearing out the mares at the North Stair!")
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Graso not Grassa. Hehe
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Si, senor.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer turns to Fort and says, "I'm sure Carston has already laid out an area for picketing in the horses if not an actual stables and Corral. Let's go pick up our mounts, make that perimeter on horseback, visit in the Reen, then head out for that lone building."


====<big>Adledross: Expected Kobolds, Unexpected Farmstead & Findings</big>====


*'''Michael James Watson'''
As Fort and Realmer ride the great horses out toward the rd building they feel the approaching evening air begin to chill. fort comment that it strange but he isn't sure what season it is early spring he would guess but not for certain.   Coming over the hills they look down to the red barn. Its fairly dilapidated but still shows the strong bones of its frame and roof.  From a distance it looked like a lone building but up close its 5 a group of buildings. A giant red stables with two large doors. A dairy barn with one door and a side building. smoke house tucked into the forest edge of woodlands that run in the crevices of several buildings showing where a small but active water course is. A long storage building. A very long chicken coop, void of chickens but with room for several hundred nests. And lastly a large working farm house that looks like its built for a gigantic family. all of them look worn and damaged, the grounds torn up as if by many feet and years of weather.  Fort says, "It quiet...too quiet" Then looks at Realmer and shrugs, "Sometime the old cliche's are the best...From the air we only saw a couple buildings...The stables and the dairy. When the other buildings arrived I can't say."  

*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
Bob is circling overhead in the form of a small buzzard, keeping on eye on things... both close at hand and fields afar.
Realmer chuckles. "Well, if you didn't say it, I would have. And I have two theories on the extra building. The first; they were always here but somehow they went unnoticed. The second; the appeared when we took an interest in them and had a need for them. Just my first thoughts."
Realmer looks around, then brings up the Pattern, walks it in his mind and looks through the Pattern Lens at the buildings and surroundings for anything out of the norm.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
No magical effect seem present in the area.
Fort-' I suspect things are taken from shadow a piece at a time"
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Movement in the forest edge catches Realmer's eye. Small, lumbering, in and out of the forest line.. and fair number. Pointing them out to Fort who uses a wizard eye to get a closer look....
"really? Oh well, damn...I haven't fought a kobold since I was still dungeon running in Eldomire. If there is a dozen there is a thousand..What do you say? Think we need another guy? We could probably intercept Alex. Him fighting Kobolds would probably be worthy of a bawdie song the tavern wenches of Wall will just love."
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
"Kobolds.... I'd forgotten how much I despise those nasty little fuckers. When I was an adventurer, a party I was with got overrun by a horde of Kobolds. At one point we were literally wading in bodies knee deep... that's when I went down and was killed. Thankfully we had a Cleric and there weren't too many left when I died. I think that was the second time I died... maybe the third."
Realmer is quiet for a few moments. "Let's draw them out and lure them towards Alex and our incoming cavalry. And let's cut as many down along the way as we can; I don't want Alex having all the fun."
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
"Same thing for me. On Tosa there were a long series of Orc Clan War that spilled over on everyone and anybody. And every Orc Band had thousands of them, food ya know.. there were millions of them. You ask nearly any CHAD member and they will tell you about Kobolds.. I hate the fuckers. So .. lure them out with a few thrown rocks or a few lighting bolts?"
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
"Let's save the spells for the time being and give them a false sense of security. Let them think they have the upper hand. Let's move on slowly and watch what they do. Bob is circling overhead and can give us aerial recon of their movements, positions and numbers. We should be able to stay a few steps ahead while looking like we're barely one step ahead and lure them the direction we want."
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
"Have bob go tell Alex to stop parading here and move his big hairy freckled ass now. have bob tell him I said so and if he gets mad open a trump to bring the egomaniac here. He's a fucking line soldier now, he will take fucking orders"
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
Realmer speaks aloud as well as mentally to his Familiar. "Bob, you heard Fort, I'm sure. Contact Alexandir, apprise him of our situation but hold off on Trumping him and his horse here until I tell you... I don't want to frighten them off and I want the majority of the kobold force committed to the attack before Alex makes his heroic entrance."
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Bob disappears but returns in moments. " the thunder you hear is horse troops and whatever Alex is riding a few miles from here. I was there long enough to see them coming directly here at a charge. I suggest doing what you must now!!!!!! "
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
Realmer smiles at Fort and says, "Guess we better hurry." Then he turns his head towards the Kobolds in hiding and yells out in Koboldish:
"Gra MUKAHS flingren urd ELLICKS!!!
(translation: Your mothers' mated with elves)
Realmer turns back to Fort and says, "That should enrage them enough to chase us blindly."
Realmer laughs, draws his broadsword, then spurs Graso into a gallop, heading in the direction of the charging cavalry.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Fort yells, "Dez kiss alnej lat sma rats " (Come kiss me you small rats)
He heels the horse forward pulling two knives and rushing in toward the Kobolds. Leaping from it back and running into the Kobolds who seeing him go nuts and rush forward.
The forest gives up thousand of Kobolds in seconds. Rushing out of the barns and moving fast across the field to meet Fort, laughing as he swings knives in among them.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Alex comes over the hills riding his massive horse Orcbreaker, who getting a whiff of kobold spurs faster. The other horse warriors, riding untrained horses into battle have to fight to keep them charging but the Kobolds don't scare the horses much. 200 C irregular cavalry, becomes 200 c irregular dragoons as they start dismounting. The horse hate the Kobolds well enough to defend themselves against ht little things.
Alex jumps off his mount and uses a cudgel in each hand to bash away with great fury among the Ks. Orcbreaker dances on them, killing two each time his hoof comes down. The magnificent 8 legged beast leaves puddles behind,. Alex wades in with blinding speed and a haze of read kobold parts waits high.
Fort spins in a brutal dance like spinning rain of knife massacre.
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
As the Kobolds show themselves and Fort leaps into the fray, Realmer wheels his mount back around and begins swinging his broadsword to his right side, cleaving skulls and cutting throats, if not beheading. As he clears the area around him, for the moment, and sees the thousands closing in from all sides, Realmer smiles a wicked smile and releases an Audio Blast Spell from the Sigil of Spiral of the Winds with its focus being about 30 feet over Realmer's head, but can probably be heard back at camp and the cavalry can even hear it over the thundering of the horses hooves. This particular version of Audio Blast is about 15 minutes of intense classical music, starting with Richard Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries followed by Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain.
As the intensely loud music begins, and Alex and cavalry arrive, Realmer leaps from Graso's back, laughing maniacally he cleaves a skull and draws his fighting knife and fights with two weapons, slashing, hacking, cleaving... moving, dodging, evading, parrying... still laughing maniacally as the bodies pile up and the thick blood of the Kobolds covers everything.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
bob disappears and a few moments later returns as the dragon riders take wing grabbing Amberites. The flight of 200 dragons, riders and 400 Amberites are on the way.
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
"Good job, Bob!" Realmer calls out mentally to his Familiar. Then screams "DIE YOU LITTLE FUCKERS!!! DIE!!!!!" While stabbing and slashing his way though the fray, his body Shape Shifting automatically into his Chaos Form, his Nosferatu Form... the form best suited for combat. He uses his wings to pop himself into the air, assisting his leaps but not full on flight, as he leaps and dives into group after group, hacking and slashing his way closer to Fort. Realmer yells:
"YOU WANTED A BATTLE WORTHY OF SONG! WELL HERE IT IS!!!" And his maniac laugh continues, as does his slaughter of the Kobolds.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Fort laughs, "you want your battle song about killing Kobolds? Your funeral!"
Swinging in about, dancing out and over, the fearless kobold rush forward on instinct to die in droves.
The dragons fly low and the riders leap off, helping the pair of Amberites each land on their feet running. Carston leads his wedge quickly to form up and advance at the ordered run to contact the side of the Kobold, pushing in the edge of the forest to push the battle into the open.
Realmer looks over the 400 who came and they are clearly a smattering of all cohorts as if the dragons and riders had flown over the Amber camp grabbing people at random on the way north east. Still, they form into ordered fireteams, filling in spots, and wade into the sea of 'bolds.
Time goes on in a tide of crimson.
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
Realmer continues to fight the bloody fight, leaping and slashing, sword and knife and clawed feet, the blood flying everywhere, coating everything, including himself. At times, he even rips at their throats with his fangs, blood flowing from his mouth, a wild look in his eyes... a lust for battle and blood... attacks becoming less skilled warfare and more savage butchery... Realmer has lost all track of time and he cares not as the battle rages on.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
IN time the battle fades as the last of the Kobolds die to be returned to the world they were stolen from. Yet their corpses remain. A casual count is 10k. waist deep all around the buildings, into the scrub forest and in the creek flowing through the small farmstead of unmatched buildings.
Alex kicks his way through the mess to Fort.. "Reminds me of the battle on the Fairhand lands..We were... younger then 40 then, weren't we?"
Fort nods, "Our first life... We seemed harder pressed then.." He starts using Clean Cantrips on himself Laughing Alex follows suit.
Alex says as he cleans, "Well Commander, your cavalry is here but I can't say much for the quality of the horseflesh. Malnourished and wild. It will take some doing to get them serviceable. If I might be so bold, Sir Ranatal over there is a fine cavalryman. We have spoken a great deal over the years. He is Kashfan, born in the addle of a military family. I recommend you appoint him your cavalry commander, and with the permission of the other cohort commanders, you detach the 200 and make it a separate operating force. Broken into 10 stands of 20 horse, it will be flexible in supporting all the cohort actions. In the meantime, we rode through a fairly rich grassland east of here. We should get the horse there to fatten them up some while we make them bridlewise"
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
Realmer begins using Clean Cantrips as well as he Shape Shifts back to his Adask Form before speaking.
"Alex, excellent suggestions, all; thank you."
He turns towards Sir Ranatal and calls him over. Once he arrives, Realmer says, "Sir Ranatal; Alex speaks highly of you and your skills with horses. You are hereby appointed the Cavalry Commander. I am sure you and Alex have conferred about the plan he suggested, so let me add, that the cavalry may increase by up to 600 horses... IF the Treba Cursis show up and still want to trade. Plus plate barding for 600 and armor for 600. While you are out feeding, strengthening and training the horses, hunt and gather as much as you can... we will need to replenish our food supplies if the Trade occurs."
Realmer turns to Fort, "I didn't mean for you to write a song about me and Kobolds, I just thought it an extra humorous bit to add to your song that the battle was fought to music. And I thought you were writing it about Alex, not me." Realmer gives Fort a wink.
"Let the dragons eat their fill of the Kobolds, if they will, but let's try to save some of their hides; makes fairly decent leather for belts and sheaths... should also serve for horse tacking. Alex, what about those Lizardmen you laid waste to? Did you happen to bring back any meat or hides?"
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
"I know Lizardmen is worth eating, but I don't know if kobold is... I've never been hungry enough to try. But let's try to use what we can while we have it."
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Alex shows a still face,"I did not bring back the corpses of people for us to eat. Lizardmen are more then alligator and less then dragon. Dragons generally prefer to know their foes will eat them but in general I don't eat anything that I might have discussed philosophy with.. I'm sure the Reen will fetch you some if you have a hankering. Nor is it likely I will make tack of any kind from kobold, nor allow it used on horses in my cavalry, thank you. . Again, should that be your preference I'm sure someone will stitch it for you. I have horses to see to, Commander," He turns to walk with Ranatal to the new cavalry.
Fort looks after Alex, then to Realmer, " You should hear some of the songs I wrote about him that were not suitable for his court... So..shall we examine the buildings? CARSTON!!! Take over clearing the dead. Make a pyre over in that pasture..."
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
"Well, I guess Lizardmen are less intelligent where I come from; barely have their own language and not very good conversationalists let alone philosophers. And I love how he is already referring to it as 'his cavalry'." Realmer says and nudges Fort then heads with him to investigate the buildings.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Fort-"Make no doubt about it, they are his. He can hand the leadership over to Ranatal, a good choice by the way, and sincerely mean to let him take the lead in the unit. But in the end his power of leadership is not a thing of magic, or godhead, or experience, or title gained by intrigue, grant, or conquest. His power of leadership is the nature of the beast. He has been right vastly more often then he has been wrong and those decisions saved billions of lives. And in the realms of the Empire of Tosa and the shadows of York, they know that. There has never been a successful rebellion because if there are grievances peoples have against him he will go and sit with them over kavas or tequila till they iron the matters out. People become better for having worked with him, fought with him, wenched with him. I've seen it. I've also seen him strangle a Raver with one hand while 4 of us cut its limbs off. He s arrogant but if one can do it, it isn't a boast. And this is him without his Aspect or raising his Attribute. They can tell him not to take any leadership role, but they can not stop him from being a leader and other people following him."
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
Realmer nods his head, thinking about what Fort has said about Alex. While looking over the buildings.
"I have no doubt as to his abilities, none at all. And I have heeded and will continue to heed his, and your, advice. I was just commenting on how is really isn't trying to hide it." Realmer chuckles.
"Let's see what mess the Kobolds left in these buildings."
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Entering the buildings they look more deserted then ravaged. They are mostly empty though both barns are stocked with hay. The dwelling looks like it was shut up and unlived in but is full of furniture covered with sheets. The shelves have tools, cooking equipment and the like but no food. As if whoever shut the place up let it empty of perishables. The smokehouse however have thousands of hanging pigs slowly turning into ham. The chicken coop looks somewhat industrial with spaces for hundreds of egg-laying chickens.
Fort pulls a sheet off a rocking chair, sits an rocks a bit. "Except for the sea of dead kobold, this place is a far better transport point then the one we have. Plenty of open space for troop, Amberite and Reen...Forest for wood. I bet there is food in these forest crevices. The river isn't huge.. Probably not much fish in it.. This building looks like it had a family of 50 living here.. Make you wonder. I don't see a library but there is probably one"
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
"I agree that this is a better transport point, but for now I want to leave most of our forces at the forest camp with the Drtida... at least until the Treba Cursis come and go. And you're right about the library... I can smell the paper."
Realmer winks at Fort and continues to look about the house, including upstairs and a basement or cellar if it has one. He will also search for hidden doors and rooms; knocking on walls lightly, looking for odd scratches on walls, floor or ceiling, mapping in his head and looking for spacial discrepancies that might indicate a hidden room.... all that stuff he learned as an adventurer. He will, however, not open anything until Fort looks things over first; no more triggering traps for this fellow.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Wandering among the room there is an office, a desk, chair all covered.. file cabinets. stacks of books and several book cases.. One case is filled with law books, specifically tax and property law. the other catches Forts eye as he looks over the title.
"Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám Lives of the Necromancers,Steganographia,The Magical Revival,Cosmic Trigger,Book of Saint Cyprian, The Booke of the Dead, dictionnaire Infernal, Daemonologie, origin of Species..
Alister Crowley, Ambrose Bierce..,Divine Comedy,House of Usher...Lovecraft..Hermetica.....Ancient philosophy....ah lovely...
Necronomicon. o whoever's office this was was a tax and property attorney and an occultist....Look at this stuff....hmmmm this is bad.....its a tome of the Dufiro....Non-summoning but it sure has a good listing of them... Damn...The Book of the Serpent....ah...that's bad......"
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
"What do you mean, 'this is bad'? There are some great titles here... most of them in fact..." he says slowly, looking at title after title. "If ONLY I had my Robe with me... or could Trump these out of here to one of my personal libraries. Perhaps we should search the house and other building before we begin our plundering or reading time. Fifty people you said.... could live here.... we should be searching for basements and root cellars and sub-levels... and maybe even tunnels or caves...."
"Any traps on the desk drawers?" Realmer asks Fort before moving towards it. He also brings up the Pattern and looks through its Lens at all things in this office.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
"Nothing a tyro couldn't bypass." he brushes the lock and opens the drawers. Looking through he pulls out a stack of papers, "legal documents.. court findings...hmm will and testament..Dr. Hector Stall. 33 degree master mason....Freemason..This building is listed as a monastery of sorts...a home for retired Freemasons.. Hmm.. sympathetic magic... Symbolic.. Explains why its so huge but outside looks like a country farm house. Yes, it almost certainly has basements.. This doesn't seem like a military target... Why did Adledross summon it here?"
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
"Good question. Based on the reading materials, I would say they chose it for me specifically. And the size and amenities... plus location... might have been brought just for our Armies. Whatever the case, let us take advantage of it and use it to its fullest. And let's keep searching the place.... I'm sure we'll find even more interesting things the more we look."
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
"It might be.....too specific....Its intriguing to me as well in a way that nothing has been in a very long time. Since before I became a crowned bard the first time...That makes it...a trap...They can't do things like this for every class through here. Bleys? Roger, Alec, all the elites for 2 thousand years? From everything I read, and admittedly Arlo says what happens in Rasak isn't part of people's memoirs for a reason, but they speak of warfare here. Line battles, cavalry charges, Sieges.. warbands,....and 12 realms that send troops here including Amber... Yet, none are Gold Circle kingdoms... They talk of straightforward combat of the type Alex adores, not complicated magical problems.. I'm suspicious."
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
"Huh" Realmer says, his mouth hanging slightly open, his tongue moving about his mouth, his eyes distant. "I was wondering what that itch in the back of my head was... a trap; makes sense. But maybe not... this might be the first time Adledross has had someone like me here... and you... and Alex. You have to admit... the three of us are quite different than the types that normally attend this place. Something tells me I am probably one of the very few, if not only, 'pure wizards' they have had attend here. I mean, sure, other before have possessed Magic and Powers... Bleys as an example, and Arlo, but both of them were warriors as well, even before coming here... but not me. And maybe I shouldn't include Alex in my considerations... he is not a Wizard or Sorcerer... but you and I are."
Realmer pauses for a moment, looking thoughtful. "Maybe this was put here for us; you and me. Perhaps a gift from my new admirer? Let's say you're right about the things here on Adledross being pulled from Shadow, just like the people. And a farm was supposed to be brought here from Shadow. Who's to say that someone didn't specifically choose this farm just for us."
"Or perhaps it's a part of a puzzle for us to solve? Again, making the same assumptions about things from Shadow being brought here and for specific purposes or people. Another possibility to consider. And what better way to draw me in, than to pique my interest with these specific books."
"Of course, it could most certainly be a trap of some kind. Maybe we should get out of this house and continue this conversation outside. I'm suddenly getting a sick feeling that this whole house is a gigantic mimic... come on, let's go outside."
Realmer heads for the doorway of the office, then back the way they came to get back outside the house.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
"Ya... Outside...". He follow s you out.
"None of the titles I saw were strictly speaking magical. Occultism, pretend magic. Wishful thinking wizardry. Wiccan. I was more of a thief wizard then a warrior in my youth. I treated my clerical skills as another type of magic till I was in the presence of the World Stone. Then I did a buddy a favor becoming his high priest. Those books are middle realm stuff. Not even low order, but extensive and clearly well read. A 33 Mason...That would be an instructor of the occult if his lodge did that kind of stuff
Secret society kind of stuff. Hmmm. Your point about being a wizard, not a warrior.
.Maybe Adledross is summoning challenges suitable to attendees. Kobolds and a master occultist.....
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
Realmer seems slightly distracted; lost in thought. His response sounds as if it is coming from far away.
"Yes... summoning challenges suitable to attendees... challenges... Master Occultist.... wishful thinking wizardry... tomes on Demonology, Necromancy... Hmmmm.... What IF, those types of 'almost magics' work here? Think about it... every type of Low Order and High Order Magic works here... from Cantrips and Power Words on up. You said that your Clerical Magic is being restricted or blocked in some way.... which means to probably would naturally work here if not for those who run this place hindering it. So, again I ask; what IF those types of 'almost magics' work here? If that is the case and the Master Occultist that owned this house shows up... we could have a serious problem and a massive fight on our hands. When those who attend this place die and are resurrected, the bodies are left behind... and more and more Foes are being summoned here to fight the Armies that come here to train and test... plenty of bodies for a Master Occultist, and possibly his followers, to raise an Undead Army the likes of which few have seen or survived... the kind of Undead Army I have been 'dreaming' about for decades... a true force on unnatural destruction that could wipe out a world... or many...."
Realmer's words trail off as his mind begins working out the possibilities and consequences of the arrival of an Undead Army and the tactics and strategies for fighting against such.
"Maybe we should get those books out of there and give them a look over... it would be good to know what a potential enemy knows. And if these 'wishful thinking wizardries' work here... perhaps we should know some of them ourselves. Unless you feel the books themselves are protected or cursed... though, I didn't detect any magic on anything in that office."
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
'There wasn't one book there I hadn't read except the Dufiro primer and its far below what I have read having been summoning Dufiro for centuries. I have a bunch on call. And the book of the Serpent..That one is curious because while I saw a bunch of religious books;bibles, Korans, Calasat, Torahs, and All Seeing Eye stuff, all things id expect a master mason to have, a tome of the Serpent has traveled. Its not impossible the volume was printed in the world this place came from but its a stretch. Also, on your theory of Almost Magics working here....We don't know for certain those books don't work where he came from. I'm all for standing on the porch here till reinforcements come and start setting up things before going back in. Haste makes wasted, after all. Haste..damn I could us a does of Melange... 9 years and change without it and my eyes feel like they are losing their blue...So... shall we wait? Maybe get some back up. Carston has had some tricky adventures. Maybe Dan or Traxton? "
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
"Carston is already here, so.... give me a minute."
Realmer looks to the sky to see Bob still circling overhead. He speaks aloud to Fort can hear his orders as well.
"Bob; message relay to all Commanders: 'Commanders. We are establishing a second camp and we may have a potential issue here. Send all of 1st and 5th Cohorts to the closest cluster of buildings with all of their gear immediately; tell those troops to get here quickly. Kablin, you're in charge of the Forest Camp; keep Tesa on task with the Drtida and keep them within the camp there until further notice. We now have a Cavalry of 200 horses; I have assigned Sir Ranatal as the Cavalry Commander and have separated the Cavalry out as its own Cohort, which means all Cohorts will lose some soldiers; we will reassign troops when time permits to even out the 5 primary Cohorts. If any of you need me or if anything happens, you know how to contact me or each other through our Communications Master; Bob.'"
"Yes, the Book of the Serpent does concern me as well" Realmer says to Fort as the sky darkens further and the light of the kobold pyre lights up the buildings around them with orange flickering light. "Fort... as a Cleric... could you Turn Undead? Was that within your Spheres of Influence?"
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
“Turn undead? hehe, sure. I'm not a fan as you seem to be. My clerical side is what one would call a favor to a friend these days though being a high priest does have a few lovely benefits normally. . I'm not supposed to use my clerical magic here though..Im not bound to ot use them, just what the Adledross requested. Its like boney-He can say don't give Alex a leadership role but there is nothing magical about it. "
Troops start sorting out and marching from the Forest Camp.
"In the end, I'm pretty sure Alex, or well, Ranatal, will break the 200 hundred down into 5 groups of 40, giving each cohort a cavalry element. As we gain more cavalry those groups could advance in number. Eventually Alex will draw around him elite cavalry specialists, his Knights. you watch, little that they learned at Rasak will make them better horsemen then riding with Alex. Just my memory of things but I'm betting 2000 of the 5000 Amberites here have a history as horseman.. We could eventually have a sizable forces of them. I was thinking too...we don't know what kind of woods we will find. It might be a good plan to get some artillery volunteers to start cutting down trees and shaving them for later use."
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
"Well, if we ARE faced with Undead at any point while here, consider this an Order to use your Clerical Abilities to Turn or Dispel them; I will deal with the consequences and punishments from those that administer this place for breaking the rules."
Realmer thinks a moment... "Yes, siege engines..." he says with a smile and gleam in his eyes. "Yes, absolutely, let's get some troops to work on the materials needed. Bob. Message Relay to Dandilar: 'Commander; I'm putting you in charge of gathering soldiers qualified in artillery and engineering and assigning whomever is best qualified as the Artillery Commander. Then have them get teams felling trees and cutting and shaving lumber for what will be needed. If the new Artillery Commander has any questions you know how to contact me.' End Relay."
"Since we're talking about staying long enough to establish a base and pre-carve all the parts for the siege engines... perhaps a Laboratory will be in order to help create some specialized ammunition, fire oils, explosive potions... you know, Alchemist stuff... hmmmm, might want Drishti for that... I'll think on that later... still have this place to investigate and clear."
"CARSTON!" Realmer gestures for him to join Fort and him, and once he does, Realmer brings him up to speed on the contents of the house so far, and their speculations, so far.
"When the reinforcements arrive, Fort and I would like you to join us when we re-enter the buildings to investigate. We should hand pick some of the soldiers with dungeon delving and city delving experience... those who would know what to look for and watch out for... those with a sense for when things are... 'off' or 'weird'... adventurers. So, what's your take on all of this, Carston?"
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Carston looks around, "It seems unreal. Like a stage play with props. But a lot of things here have seemed like that. This whole place seems like that, not just these buildings. It reminds me of the Eldimior place. You could burn the buildings down and the next day they would be back..I don't recognize the style of these places but they look like they are from different shadows. the Barns are very different. A smoke house with thousands of hogs? its all too artificial"
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
"Agreed. This place is too idyllic; buildings enough to draw our interest, foes to challenge us, facilities and accommodations for many people, books to entice me, mostly ready smoked meats... yeah, this definitely feels like a trap. But I have checked the place over with the Pattern Lens and everything looks normal; not magical or illusionary... but it certainly looks and feels staged. But I would hate to miss something helpful or useful here, so I feel inclined to investigate further, even though my gut and my logical mind and experiences tell me it is most likely a trap of some sort and that we should leave it be. Advice? Anyone?"
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Carston-"I used to travel with a thief whose best answer to opening a trap was to throw a rock at it. The traps usually opened."
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Fort "Ya, but that way leads to cat sausage...OK. Pick two troopers and lets go take a look"
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Carston comes back in a few with two troops and Fort leads off.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Entering the house again the place has a musty smell of long disuse. Fort opens a window and goes from window to window checking for traps, wires and wandering monsters. Finding none the first floor is opened to the outside breeze. The many rooms hold no surprises except having a mostly masculine decor and some spots on the walls where frames once hung as the walls discolored around them.
Stepping up stairs the large house is clearly divided into wings with narrow hallways and small rooms. Bedrooms as small as 8x8 are common. there maybe as many as a dozen so sized. The third floor is similar though the rooms are a bit bigger. Fort checks each window before opening. The rooms on both floors are utilitarian furnished and some show greater years of disuse.
Heading downward to the basements the first level has many rooms filled with canned fruit and vegetable. Several thousands of bottles.
Trooper Candle says-"These are old. It takes a long time for foods canned this well to spoil. But I wouldn't risk feeding these to the hogs. "
Fort nods, "Probably true. But we'll empty them anyway. We have fresh food to refill them.
Going to the second level of basements the room is one large sectioned off room. filled with wine racks. Thousands and thousands of bottles. Fort pulls several and nod with appreciation. "If we have not said it before, the basements are off limit to the general soldiery...We might have a riot if they knew this was all here."
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
"This can't be it. There has to be more. Where is the ceremonial chamber with the runic circle for rituals and sacrifices? There should be such a room here. It could be housed in one of the other building, but it is more likely it would be hidden here under the main house. We need to look for hidden and secret doors... and be very wary of traps.
Realmer brings up the Pattern and looks through its Lens, looking at all shelves, racks, walls, ceiling and floor. If he find nothing via the Pattern Lens, he will help search the old fashioned way.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Fort looks around and stops suddenly. Looks around the large room. Walks back to another spot. walks in a square back to the original place.
"Carston, stand here. Candle, stand here. Realmer, stand here. and Renton, stand here. "
As everyone takes a place he walks to the center. Looking down curiously..
He walks to the bottles and looks around among the clutter finding a piece of chalk. Walking back he draws on the ground.


*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
He does the next one then steps top the center and makes and eye.


*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Fort nods, "For the Sake of the widow's Son"
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
the symbol glows briefly then the interior of the symbol starts dropping sections making a staircase descending..The walls gt further apart as the stair cuts into the wall
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
Realmer grins ear to ear. "Now THAT is more like it! A secret entrance with a ritual to open it. Fort, put yourself down for a bonus." Realmer winks at Fort and chuckles.
"Bob. Front and center. Go down there and take a look and show me what you see." Realmer links his mind to Bob's.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Fort "there is a very slight wear in the stone floor. just enough to show where they made marks. But once I understood the symbol it was just a matter of remembering the rituals and how they don't vary too much shadow to shadow."
Bob hovers, looks down, hovers...looks down... Looks back up.
"It...smells bad down there......."
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
Realmer glares at Bob, then looks to Fort. "I'll go first. The first few steps should be safe as they were part of the floor. But stay close. Bob, left shoulder, you wimp."
Realmer Shifts his eyes to something better suited to underground darkness and proceeds down the stairs carefully; testing each step as he goes.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
The steps are solid and wide enough if a slightly odd height. After a time he realizes each step is slightly different then the one above and below it. The tunnel widens each revolution but it is going very deep.
Fort stops, rubs the wall. "Lead, layers of zinc, silver, and other metals I don't recognize right off; Sheets of it.. thin. with stone in between...Interesting effort at symbolic magic. Not sure they intended it but I think it blocked your pattern lens... I wonder how many we passed"
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
"The thin sheets of metal also effectively block Passwall Spells. Hmm... let me see if it blocks all of my Sigils."
Realmer drops the Pattern and brings up the Spiral of the Four Winds first, and uses it like a lens to look around. If there appears to be no difference to what he was seeing with the Pattern Lens, Realmer will drop the Spiral Sigil and bring up the Sigil of Paragon and looks though its center like a lens.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
they all now identify there the level of metals are. They continue down as far as the light shows.
Fort casts Werelight and a few continual light spells for general and specific light.
Realmer figures in time the stairs go down several hundred meters.. The room expands greatly.
In time the stairs leave the wall and spiral unconnected into a vast open chamber.
Reaching the bottom the room seems a couple hundred meter per side and 5 sided. Around the room are various symbols on the ground marking different rituals. The con Lights work poorly in this space.
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
Realmer looks about the great chamber through the Lens of each Sigil he bears; looking to see anything that stands out, and looking for discrepancies between them, if any. He also looks at each group of symbols on the floor through each Sigil Lens as well.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Fort and Realmer see the power source through their own methods almost at once. In the far reaches of the great hall.
Walking to it there seems to me table and alter. Tall candle stick holders, hanging lanterns. Getting closer the power is not Amber based, chaos based, or any other high order that either recognize but the area detects as a receptacle of High Order Magic..
Fort-"High Church....Ritual Magic for certain...The symbols in the ground would be guides to the magical working and not magic themselves.. But....you see it.. something is magical there. Suggestions on approaching before we get within a hundred meters?"
 · 40w
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
"Yes; I see it and feel it. My first suggestion is to stay away from it for now. My second suggestion is to 'read the instruction manual'. Let's translate and read the symbols contained in this room. Fort, with your prior knowledge of these rituals and symbology, we should be able to figure out how to access and use this Magic Power Source and maybe even figure out what, exactly, it is. Let's take a look at those symbols, shall we."
Realmer leads Fort over to the first set of symbols on the floor closest to the entrance/exit and begins looking them over and deciphering them, with Fort's help.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Fort lists numerous rituals and a lot of them Realmer recognizes as well. Most are non-magical and would require vast amounts of study to even figure out what they were hoping.
"Most of these are Masonic in nature. Scottish rite, York Rite. German Rite. Even a couple Jewish Rite. Others are masonic in general appearance but not being a mason myself I don't know what these ones particularly mean. Some of these like the German Rite and Jewish Rite use clear Masonic Symbology but they are not in most of the universes I've seen. Tolknor would know more about these then I do. I wasn't part of the Masonic Movement in York. Elevation in rank. Signs of the Cross. Path of the Rosary. There are 35 clear ritual spaces in this hall as far as I can tell. Only that one in the corner has any residual magical imprint and from what I can tell its not the imprint itself but something involving it. Till we look at it... We won't know more"
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Carston-" This one here is Vandalian. I had a great, great, grandfather in it. We had his medallions in the house growing up"
Fort looks over at it, "Reversed and with a lot of symbology variations... But yes. Vandalain Rite. Though its probably a shadow of this world's symbol. Vanadala was a god of good fortune in the Old Faith before Jeremey unsealed the World Stone. It interesting to find it here"
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
"Very interesting, and perhaps here to draw our attention. Very well, there is nothing left for it now, we have to go investigate that magic source. I think it might be a Construct of some sort, drawing its Power from that Imprint you mentioned, Fort."
"So, first off; Carston, Candle, Renton: stay back and keep watch. Also, I hope you have all been practicing your Power Words... Magic Negation could be useful if things go awry with Fort and I over there. As could Psychic Disrupt."
"Bob, I want you to stay overhead but at a slight distance. Watch the chamber, but watch us too. If everything starts to turn to Troll Shite, Trump all of us to the surface, if you can. If not, Trump us all as far out of this chamber as you can."
"Fort, I suggest a Bodily Defense Spell or other Spell of Protection from Magic and Powers BEFORE we approach."
Realmer releases the spell Bodily Defense upon himself that is Racked in his Familiar, Bob.
"Fort, are you ready?"
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Realmer notices Bob did not come down the stairs. Such a constant presence that his presence was simply
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Fort casts his protections. and starts to edge closer.
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
"What the...." he says out loud. "Bob, can you hear me?" Realmer asks aloud but also extends his Psyche outward to find Bob's Psychic Presence.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Reaching closer the far inscription fort says-"Its not magical in itself but someone tried very powerful magic here. Look, 6 attendants, all dead..rotted.. There are two alters.. both with Tomes on them."
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Fort nods, " pick an alter. Don't read aloud. "
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
Realmer nods and says, "I'll take the one on the left" then heads towards that altar. He uses a Werelight Cantrip which he holds in his left hand as he stops to carefully look over the rotted bodies along the way. He Shifts his whole head into his Avatar/Animal Form; a Vulture (Andean Condor, actually. lol) and takes a deep whiff of the bodies with his now increased olfactory senses... one can learn a lot about a dead body by its smells. (What does he smell? Anything notable besides decay?)
Once he has done this, he will Shift his head back to normal and move to the altar and look over the tome, holding his Werelight close to the altar. If it is not open, he will read the title, not aloud, then carefully open it using an Unseen Hand Cantrip so as to not make physical contact with the tome or altar. He will read each page, not aloud, and use the Unseen Hand to turn the pages.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Fort whistles in surprise. "OK, this changes things..There is a stack of books here, three Elementals, and two spirit tomes. I won't know what till I open them. But this one on the alter is a Summoning Tome for a Ava Dufiro of Knowledge.. Tough.. and it looks like they were trying to summon using it.
Realmer looks at the first few pages and it appears to be a Dufiro summoning tome. The first few pages show how to set up the alter and the setting, and looking around it appears that they may have been trying to summon using this tome as well.
On the fourth page he find the summoning name, a long guttural, musical sounding name, and its spoken or conversational name.
The name of the Dufiro they were trying to summon is
Fortunadas of Tosa
Below it is his picture.
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
"Yeah, looks like the same over here" Realmer says as he reads over the Dufiro named Fortunadas' Attributes once again. Since Realmer still has the Pattern Lens up before him, he looks at Fort, passingly at first, then back at his Tome. Then he looks at the place where the residual magic is emanating from, then he looks to Fort again, taking a longer look, but not too long; he will not look directly at Fort, but more like he is look past him or through him. If Fort sees Realmer looking at him, Realmer will try to look as if he is 'staring into space' and 'lost in thought'.
(What are Fort's listed Attributes? What does Realmer see thru the Lens? Both the residual magic and Fort?)
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
The tome speaks of his abilities with languages, vast quantities of lore. It says he can tell when lies are told to him. That he is incapable of being forced to forget things. It says he can change True Names. He can write summoning books up to Ava Dufiro. He can copy tomes up to Masoja Dufiro. Can conduct Race Rituals for Elementals and Spirits. He can sanctify binding rituals.
It claims he has held the Spirit Races of Cleanliness, Combat, Song and Paper, and is a Raised member of the Ava Dufiro of Knowledge, Combat, and Truth, and lastly, the book is a Summoning book of him as a Masoja of Knowledge. As Masoja he can summon and control elemental of Fire, Air, Earth, and Water. It claims his intended next evolution is to the Masoja of Combat.
Born a Human on the world of Tosa he was admitted to the Dufirosim during the battles against the Ravers of Paradox. It tells of his great love of the Dufiro and how many of them fell enthralled at his song and his tales, his bravery, wit, and cutting sarcasm.
In the later portions of the book there is something fairly curious about how its worded, and the glowing, almost loving way he is described. Its cloying. approaching, if not a little bit erotic.
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
"Well dip me in buttermilk and roll me in bread crumbs! I think we just hit the frying pan. Fort...? You might want to come over here and take a look at something I found. I believe I figured out something quite vital... perhaps several things... including why this place is here and why we... well you definitely, are so interested in this place."
Realmer waits til Fort joins him, moving over a little to afford him a better view of the tome on the altar... leaving it open to the fourth page. Once Fort see the page and realization hits his face, Realmer will say:
"See what I mean? I think this house, this property, came HERE because the one being summoned could not be taken from Adledross. And the amount of Energy needed killed these poor fellows... perhaps. And also perhaps... brought the Master Occultist here as well. I have a feeling he... or she... may still be about somewhere here... hiding, perhaps recovering from the summoning gone awry."
(BTW, what DID Realmer see when he looked at Fort through the Pattern Lens? Or is that Power blocked down here because of the layers of metal in the walls and above?)
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
He looks, curling his lip. "That bitch..she and I are going to have a long conversation...well, I'm not sure how much of this is actually true...but I have had these dufiro bound to me at one point or another. I didn't know I could write Dufiro tomes but I have copied them...never ran a race ritual but I think if called on I probably could.. So...I'm a masoja of Knowledge? And I never got a key to the executive washroom.. When we fought the Ravers of Paradox we had dufiro bound to us to keep the Ravers from taking over our bodies. They have extraordinary powers of possession. My main one was a masoja of Knowledge. She was a bit....possessive. She and I...may... have engaged in some dufiro hanky panky. Hell we did. She was considering a transition of a Dufiro of sensuality-a very rare breed.. Around the end she was quite jealous. This book can only work if she somehow managed to elevate me while she was bound to me....damn....Nur would know for sure and I fuckng can't call him here.. the Adledross would crap pumpkins".
He closed the book. "The funny thing is I'm really looking forward to some summoning me. Working with the Dufiro is a matter of insane levels of linguistic detail that appeals to me. I think you're right. The forces found them and brought them here....why don't we ask. Fuck the Adledrossians. They let this place come here."
He looks at the corpses, walking to one, rolling him enchants
"Great Venki, whose song is the air birds fly in and the earth men lay in, Grant me your blessing to restore this unjustly slain being to new life.".
The body fills with life shakes and opens its eyes in terror
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
Realmer interjects, after Fort mentions Nur and as he is closing the tome.
"Well, that makes a lot more sense than you being an actual Dufiro... though... the title of Masoja of Knowledge does fit you well."
As Fort rolls the body over and begins his incantation, Realmer tries to stop him, by saying:
"Fort. I don't think that is such a good idea. You have still to be punished for your last infringement...."
He sighs heavily as the body begins to fill with life energies and regenerate.
"I could have seen his death with a spell..." another sigh, "and perhaps got us some answers without you having to risk further punishment by the Adledrossians."
Realmer shakes his head and sighs yet again... then looks to the reconstituted and revived person on the floor.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
"Ask those dead before I get to them. let them know helpful answers makes me get to them faster.
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
"I can't Speak with the Dead, Fort; I don't have a spell for that and it would take a little time to Weave a new spell. But I can see the last few minutes of a person's life and how they died. You will have to Revive them to speak with them.... unless you can somehow use your Clerical Spells to Speak with Dead..."
Realmer moves to the furthest corpse and casts a High Order Spell hung on the Sigil of Paragon: Recall Death; it is a High Order version of a Low Order spell which allows the caster to see the last few minutes of life and the death of any corpse within visual range.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
A fast flash hits of the man Fort raised standing at the alter with his summoning tome. He is encanting as the others stand in the circle chanting. There is a sudden flash and it looks as if they are trying to maintain a crumbling ritual. one man breaks the circle and starts to run. Then the image appears as if they were accelerated at a great speed, all crashing to the ground hard, dead or dying. The candles look as if they burned fast as if time passed. Then the scene goes dark.
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
After the flashes of images, Realmer looks around the room and counts and places bodies. Based on the Vision he saw, are all the bodies present and in the correct places? Was there any person shown in the Vision that is not accounted for by a body in this chamber?
Then Realmer moves over to Fort and using Hand Signs, says: 'I know what happened to them.'
Then he says aloud, "So, what has you told you? Or is he still trying to come to terms with what has happened?"
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Admin
The man looks up at fort with near adoration. "Great Fortunadas....am I in the land of the dead? " Looking around "I'm in the Ritual Hall. Did, the summoning work? '
Fort growls, "did you intend to bind me to something or bargain with me? Either one would have been dangerous.. That book is not correct. How did you come by it?"
The man looks over at the piles of his friends.."Oh... poor Carl, and Dan.. and Lloyd...The women will be furious and crushed.. We told them your wisdom and kindness would bring us enlightenment and riches. We had intended to offer service, oh Great Fortunadas. "
Shake his head, "Well, I have no need for your service but I suppose I'll find something to do with you till I can get you all home. I'll wake up your friends in a minute. First, how did you get this book? And that one, the Dufiro of Knowledge. "
He looks at Realmer, eyes widening in fear. Fort chuckles. "Be glad he isn't hungry. Now give."
"Our lodge, The Eureka Great Wisdom Lodge of North Dakota, has had a lot of people over the years interested in our private services. We don't allow anyone into the Secret Lodge till they are 20 degree at least.. Then we studied the mystics of the Ancient Egyptian Lodge and the Ancient Greek Temple, At 30th they are entered into the Deep Discordian Erisian Lodge. There we learn from the Ancient One...A Dufiro bound to the summoning stone there" he points at the center of the symbol the dead are around. Just a few weeks ago it taught us how to summon those books. They aren't devils!!!!!!I Not demons!!! They are elemental of water and Fire..and earth, great spirits of the craft..finally it taught us how to call these two books. The Dufiro of Knowledge Gratdalas and the Dufiro of Knowledge Fortunadas. He said you would be grateful and would free him and would teach u great secrets if we summoned you.''
Turning to Realmer-"Amateur mystics, Cultists,, listening to a bound Dufiro, willing to tell them anything it could think of to get someone to come break it free. And these putzes tried summoning me while I was someplace I could not be called from. So the Adledross brought them here..Swell. Lets wake up these other idiots while I have time still"
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
As Fort move towards the other bodies, Realmer tells him what he saw in his Recall Death Vision of these men.
"I think you are right that you should hurry. And perhaps you should stop using those powers of yours that 'upset' the Adledross... the punishments for you will only keep getting worse, Fort."
He gives Fort a raised eyebrow then continues. "And what of the bound Dufiro? Is it your intent to free them? For if not, then perhaps I shall... I could use some 'good karma' with the Dufiro Race... I do have an upcoming Mating/Blending Ritual to participate in...." Realmer wonders if Kala Kala has tried to contact him while he has been incommunicado.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
"Without knowing what kind of Dufiro it is its risky to just bust him loose. I don't sense ti, which is curious. But if its bound in the symbol, breaking the syymbol ought to let him free"
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
Realmer goes to examine the Symbol. He will look it over visually, then through each Sigil Lens, to learn what he can. If he learns nothing... then he will carefully extend his Psyche towards the Symbol, tentatively reaching for the Psyche of the Dufiro that is supposedly there.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
There is a sudden intense pleading for release. It was clearly bound against its will. It offers riches and wisdom and powers for its freedom but in a sense of understanding, not in spoken words.
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
Realmer barely turns his head towards Fort as he speaks, still focusing on the Symbol and the bound Dufiro within.
"This Dufiro was bound unwillingly; I do not like that. It offers much for me to set it free. I am going to set it free, but I will make it promise not to harm those here upon its exit."
Realmer communicates via his Psyche that he WILL release the Dufiro within, but it must NOT harm those present, including those outside this structure. And it must always remember who freed it, asking almost nothing in return, and it must speak favorably about the one who freed it to all Dufiro. I am Relmopator Barimen of Amber, and I will free you if you agree to my conditions.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
It whimpers helplessly and gives what seems like agreement.
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
Realmer thinks to the Dufiro: You have agreed to my conditions, so that makes this a Binding Contract that I expect you to hold to. I will now set you free.
Realmer looks over the Symbol and begins by simply trying to scrub it away... if it is 'marked' upon the stone floor. If this does not work, or it is carved into the stone floor, he will try to a Power Word (gesture): Magic Negation to destroy it or temporarily disrupt the magic long enough to free the bound Dufiro within.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
The symbol seems to be mosiacied into the ground. Power Word does not effect it or the binding. Magic Negation doesn't effect it either though he feels it shimmer a bit magically.
Fort looks over-"That kind of thing doesn't effect Dufiro. If it did it would be the most common spell in worlds where bound Dufiro are common armor and weapons. destruction is the way. Its a pretty symbol but blast it to pieces if you are determined.. but bear in mind, thee things can be tricky"
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
Realmer brings up the Pattern in his mind, walks it to its center, then projects it at the mosaic tiled Symbol in the floor like at attack, attempting to destroy the Magic with a greater Power of Pattern.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
There is a shiver in the ground but the binding remains.
Fort-"That's tough, I really thought that would do it. But again, that attacking the magic, not the structure. I recommended a large hammer or a earth eruption spell. Ignore the magic, damage the construct. Dufiro are rarely bound to glass or easily breakable things for that reason"
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
Realmer looks over his shoulder, dropping the Sigil of the Pattern and says, "That was next on my list. I was sure that would work as well. Double Tough, as they say."
Realmer refocuses his attention on the Symbol on the floor and releases a Spell hung on the Sigil of Paragon: Transmute Stone to Mud. He focuses the Spell on the stone of the floor that encompasses the Symbol and the surrounding area.
If the Mud does not 'disrupt' the Symbol, then Realmer will fly over the muddy area and disturb the tiles that make up the symbol with his feet, if needed.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Stone to mud disrupts the structure enough for the creature to come rushing out, howling in Rage, filling the room with light and noise.
Fort looks up from the third raised man and moans, "ah hell."
Th creature takes the shape of a large horned Minotaur, calling a great two handed double bit axe to hand, swinging it about like to fell sequoias. It howls in Anger.
Fort stands and walks by Relmopator. He shimmers suddenly with magical protections.
The Minotaur Steps forward, lowering the axe to place at the ground..He inhales deeply.. Looking Angrily down at Fort.
"Fortunadas of Tosa, I shall name you n time. I shall claim the price on your head from the Lord of the Death. Fear me.
Fort draws his daggers, "Fight me now or Fuck off. I know the Masoja you speak of and you can tell him I said he could fuck off too. As for fearing you, I've killed your kind before. "
he looks at Realmer, "Opener, I abide our agreement, for 20 days. I shall not harm anyone here or above for 20 days. Then I shall return and slay all who keep me from my prey, my Rage binds me, my war is just. You however, I shall not slay unless you draw weapon or spell upon me. In 20 days I shall give you my calling name that we may trade. Now, I go to the realms of death to sanctify my war."
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
"Wait! 20 days by whose reckoning? Yours? Mine? No. Neither. 20 days by the time of Amber; the only true and steady time flow in the multiverse. That is agreeable."
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
He laughs, "You did not free me in Amber. Nor it seems did you free me in North Dakota. Whatever realm this is, is where you freed me. 20 day in this realm."
He looks at Fort, "You know, correct? That his release of me and my agreement with him does not bind me? I hold to the agreement out of honor. Something you could learn from, little rat-man. If you bow before me I shall depart this realm and tell the Lord of death whose name you know that you have done so and I shall seek you beyond this realm, leaving all here unharmed."
Fort laughs, "If you are unbound, I can fix that. " He steps to the Alter and pulls a book up on the stand.
"WAIT!!! Lord Relmopator, would you have this creature step on an agreement we have made? I am A Dufiro of Rage and War and I'll have my prize in time but now he threatens your honor as well as mine"
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
Realmer steps up to the altar and slams his hand down on the book in Fort's hands so he cannot open it or read it if it is already opened.
"No, Fortunadas! You will not do this! Stop now! You will not damage my honor or my agreement! Do you understand me?! Our honorable agreement has bought you 20 days that you would not have had otherwise. I am sure this is what I was forewarned of... take the time you have been given. Don't force me to be your Commander right now... I don't want to have to Order you to do this."
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Fort nods angrily, "No order you give me could slow me if I chose. "Picking up the tome and slipping it into his shirt. The newly arisen have the looks of those who suddenly realize how foolish they have been dealing with forces beyond their ken.
"Dufiro of Rage and War. Your attempt to sway my captain here is desperate and pathetic. I would not wield a butter knife you were bound into and once I have read this tome I shall know your secret name and shall scrawl it on subway walls so drunks can whisper your name and disturb your rest. flee to the Dufirosim and pray to the Lords of Wisher you never feel my wrath. So if you will not fight now Dufiro of Rage and War then go before I start reading aloud!"
The creature rises fast up the spiral and the rattling of his passage is clearly heard.
Fort takes out the tome and places it on the alter.
"ah, I don't suppose you have that bottle of brandy handy, do you?"
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
"You think I'm going to leave it lying around where someone can find it? Of course I have it handy."
Realmer rummages in his makeshift satchel and pulls out the bottle of Napoleon Brandy with the Percy bottle stopper atop it. He pulls the stopper and hands the open bottle to Fort.
"Well, that was fun. He's going to be a barrel of laughs at our next party." Realmer jokes as Fort drinks.
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
"Damn shame I didn't have his binding book. For all I know this Dufiro of Knowledge tome might summon a guy that knows every one liner joke in the universe.. Worse thing is if he had attacked, I'm sure we could kill him but he would just wake up in the east, pissed."
He chugs the bottle and passes it back.
"Thing is that if he really chose to he could start summoning his underlings.. We have 20 days for me to drag every detail these Shriners have on the Rage & warfare Dufiro they have been having a love affair with for a generation and see if I can suss out his binding name. otherwise we have to kill him every other day or so."\
*'''*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''''''
Realmer clears his throat quietly and looks away for a moment. "Actually..." he looks Fort in the eyes, "YOU will have to kill him every day or so... I'm pretty sure this is your 'punishment' from the Adledross for breaking their rules here. But I'm sure I can help you research what you need... as long as you do the actual 'battle' with the 'monster' when the time comes."
Realmer takes the bottle of brandy, takes a swig, corks it and puts it away then goes over to the other altar and grabs the book on Fortunadas and the other tomes stacked there.
"Get busy with the Raising of the Dead, Fort. Carston, Candle, come help gather up these tomes. Leave none behind and be careful with them. Renton, head upstairs and let those outside know we are all well. Also, keep everyone out of the wine cellar; again, no riots wanted or needed here."
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
Fort nod and moves to the next guy.
"the damnable misery is that once I get out of here, I'm going to have to go find out which bitch put a price on my head and why?. Probably a song I wrote. Dufiro can be such critics."
*'''*'''Michael James Watson''''''
and SCENE


====<big>Adledross: Forward Base, Growing Crops and Freemason Apprentices</big>====


*'''Michael James Watson'''
Outside the business of establishing the forward base is in process. Camps are well set up though not near the farm itself and in the distance the Reen are settling in their own camps nearly over a far hill. On a far hill to the south Alex can be seen drilling cavalry. Some amount of unit drill is going on as well.  
*A trooper, Gusser, a Kashfan, approaches as the people from the depth exit the house.  
*"Commander. The camp is well on the way to being established. There has been an odd development which is why the camp is so far from the structures. The fields for several hundred acres around here are planted. I come from a rural region of Kashfa and its clear that crops are in the ground and began growing rapidly once the group of you entered the building. Corn mostly, but vegetables as well, hundreds of acres. I've coordinated with Traxton and he told me to manage finding farmers among our troops. Not an easy task you might imagine since most of us joined the military to avoid farming. The Drtida seem well suited to it and if possible id like as many transferred here as possible to look over things. In the week you have been in the house we have seen 2 months worth of growth. Turn over could be incredible.”  
*One of the masons, Jach says, "That's my cornfield!!! What the hell is it doing next to that... hopping fuck that's a big smoke house!.. Hey, Richard, that's your stable barn isn't it?"  
*Richard looks over, "Well, yes, that's the breeding barn.. and that smokehouse is like the ones...hey...it is one of the ones from over at Crestview Farms...great smoked pig. I sell them feed..."   *One of the others says,"Ya know, Jach, that garden over their looks like Millie's. She does a lot of cucs and broc. and mixed greens, doesn't she?"  
*One of the masons looks to Fort, "Great Fortunadas was it your desire that such of our farms were brought here for you?"  
*Fort chuckles, "This will get old quick.....Listen up you schmucks...you and your generations have been mucking about mining a creature far beyond any of your imaginings. And hes an asshole. Now, lets get some things straight before we step off this porch...first, That guy over there is Commander Relmopator and I'm his number two. Just like on a ship. You call him Commander, and for the sake of my sanity call me Fort. Like a... Fort. Neither of us planned to bring you or any of this stuff here. We are in a training ground of a particular nature and you idiots trying to summon me using a badly written tome is what made the masters of the training ground pull you out of your world and drop you here. Explaining the hows and whys will take months we don't have. Now, you will make your selves useful farming here. From time to time I'm going to take each of you aside and we will find out what you know, think, and learned from that creature. As you heard, he is a Dufiro of Rage and War. So, let call him Reggie.”  
*Looking at Realmer, "That'll piss him off eventually."  
*Turning back to the masons, "You all have spent your lives reading a collection of mystical, occult, esoteric, and largely crap books seeking after enlightenment and power. Well, you fuckers got it and it really isn't what you think. You will learn of Amber and Chaos from me. You will see honest to Martha magic around here. I'll be twisting your brains like a rag trying to figure out Reggie's true name and when I do I'll..."  
*One of the mason shrieks, "Hey!!! that's a Dragon!!! Is that a dragon!!!????!?!. "  
*Fort stumbles verbally, "I'm slipping. Curious..Yes, bucky, that's a dragon. There are a thousand of the brutes beyond those hills and they all have riders and they are, at the time being, our friends. I imagine all of you will get to ride them eventually. "  
*That last makes the already freaked masons eyes widen.  Fort lowers his voice and when he speak the masons turn to rapt attention. Only higher psyche keeps Realmer, Carston and crew from doing so as well but the draw is there.  
*"You will be useful. But you should know this is a warzone. The reason we are here is to train in warfare particular to OUR regions. You will see things undreamed of in Crowley's nightmares. And its your own damn fault you are here. You will answer our questions, farm your fields, listen to our commanders and in a year from now you will be back in Dakota talking to your wives and shrinks about the strange dream you had in elf hill. Don't piss me off.. Now, with the Commander's permission, and I imagine he will have something to say too, you will listen to trooper Gusser here and coordinate the farm with him. Gusser, if one of these schmucks seems to have a better handle on these farms, we will talk about releasing you to the ranks so you can get the training you came here for.. Its not like they came here to fight orcs and wereriders..."  
*Fort looks to Realmer, "Commander?"  

*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
When they first come out from the depths and Trooper Gusser begins explaining, Realmer begins looking about and then says to Gusser, "A week? Only felt like a couple of hours."
Realmer looks to each new part of the farmstead as the Masons begin pointing them out and figuring out where they came from. As Fort begins his oration, Realmer watches the Masons reactions carefully, but studies Fort as well. Realmer chuckles at the nickname given the Dufiro of Rage and War.
Realmer also finds it curious that Fort 'slipped' in his verbal barrage; Realmer has never seen Fort at a loss for words or tripped up in a conversation or oration. Realmer watches with great interest as Fort impresses his Psyche upon the Masons.
"Thank you, Sub-Commander Fort." Realmer nods slightly to Fort and steps forward to address the Masons. "I am Commander Relmopator of the Amberite Army. I command the 1st Cohort, which means I command the entire army. There are four other Cohort Commanders in the Amberite Army..." he points to Carston, "You have already met Commander Carston of the 5th Cohort, and you will meet others. There are also Commanders within the Dragon Rider Army, and you may meet them too... they are our allies and they also follow my command. As of now, ALL of you are a part of the Amberite Army. You are now Loyal to the Amberite Army; to me and my Commanders, my Sub-Commanders, Sergeants and Troopers. And you WILL follow any order given to you without question and without hesitation."
Realmer takes the time to look intently into each mans' eyes, making sure they understand, but not requiring them to speak. Then he continues.
"We are not Gods or Devils. Nor Angels or Demons. We are not to be Worshiped or Revered. We are not of the Heavens or the Hells... though you will hear the term 'demon', it does not mean what you think it does. You are going to see many strange things, strange beings, monsters... but I cannot... I WILL NOT, have you freaking out and soiling your breeches every time you see something fantastical or nightmarish. You must learn, and learn quickly, how to take it all in stride. For example.."
Realmer calls Bob, probably circling on high as a white raven, to fly down and shapeshift into his true beholder form. He does not wait for the shock to wear off.
"This is Bob, my Familiar. He is a Shape Shifter... and so am I."
Realmer Shape Shifts into his Chaos Form and says, "As are others here." Then he Shifts back to his Human/Adask Form and produces a Cantrip Fire Finger to focus their attention. "And I am also a High Order Sorcerer, amongst other Low Order magical titles. Get used to strange things. Follow orders. Be helpful and informative. Never betray us. NEVER. We are your only chance of getting back to your homes. We are the only military force on this world that seems to be guided by a moral compass. Lucky for you we found you first."
Realmer gives them a moment to let things sink in, then asks, "Are there any questions? Do any of you wish to say anything?" His tone is non-threatening as is his facial expression and body language. He is being sincere with them... he wants to know if they have something to ask or say.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The senior mason, the first one woken, Hector, looks at his fellows and back and Fort, the Realmer.
"Ah...Will we be learning magic?"
Fort laughs. "Trust an occultist. You wingnuts have been talking to a major Dufiro for several generations and he has been stringing you along offering you powers until he found 12 of you gullible enough to attempt to perform a summoning which you were stupidly unready for in the hope its force would crack the inscription he was bound to, freeing him. He even got you to try summoning me just as a bonus for him. Do you realize now that if the spell had not been interrupted, bringing you here, that it would have freed that beast in North Dakota, where he would have eaten your hearts in front of you then probably have hunted down everyone he had ever met among you and eaten them, and their wives, and kids, if not take out his rage on your whole town? That your efforts to learn the secrets of the universe could have gotten everyone you knew devoured, if not everyone on your whole frekkin world? You want to learn magic? OK Here..."
He steps up to Hector, grab his head Slams him with his psyche, making Hector emit a little squeak and go knee weak..
Fort says..."Know this......Learn This: Kuwa safi!" He says the word hard and loud. "SAY IT!!!!!!"
Hector mumbles "Kuwas safi" Nothing happens
Fort yells, " YOU WANTED TO SUMMON DUFIRO AND YOU CAN'T PRECISELY SAY THE CHARM FOR A CANTRIP? KUWA SAFI!!!! SAY IT!!!!"
He whimperingly says "Kuwa safi" The area on his outfit is suddenly clean as the clean Cantrip activates.
Fort chuckles.."There, You are a wizard now. Go teach them..When every one of you knuckleheads can cast the Clean Cantrip Realmer and I will decide which Cantrip you can learn next...Friggin occultists....Discordian ones at that..."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"The learning of Magics is a must in this army... but for you men, it will be a reward for hard work, cooperation, a lack of headaches for us, and loyalty. You can start by proving your worth as farmers. You all know these lands and what they hold and grow; so then, tend to them, teach the Drtida what you know about your lands and crops. Prove to us that you can handle this farmstead so that Trooper Gusser can get back to training and away from farming. Dismissed."
"Gusser; once you're sure one of these men can run this farmstead at least as well as you can, hand over the responsibility to that man but stay in the area to observe their work. Dismissed."
"Fort... you seem agitated and off your game... you look like you need some rest. Go get some rack time... at least 6 hours. That is an order, by the way. But not in the house... not yet. I want to see if the time difference is still in play."
"Bob, contact Tesa and tell her to bring the Drtida here to the Farmstead as soon as possible. Fort... why you still standing there? Go get some sleep."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort nods, "Its not sleep I need but your order will be obeyed. Let us step aside a moment first."
Once the others have dispersed he speaks softly.
"I must be honest.. mostly honest.. The Adledross have dropped a real crapstorm on us and its my fault.. I have no idea what the usual rules are for this place but as you noted thee and me are probably not the normal candidates. It might be best if I separated from the core here and drew my attackers away. I have no doubt I can fight this Dufiro. But I'm not sure how messy it will be for others. Sure, if they get splattered they will wake up the next day, but splattered is splattered. "
he paces a bit,, "However, my deal with Benedict, hence the Adledross, is that I would not uses powers unusual to others.. there are clerics among those in the camp north of us so I felt free to use my clericism...We had cavalry so Alex could summon his horse..The Adledross have allowed occult ritualists here who were able enough at dealing with Dufiro to get one to teach them how to summon me..so I no longer feel like I can't call a few friends..Say, a Masoja of Knowledge to do a little research into spindling arm's true name. and a Masoja of strength in case we have to box him around. Say...an Avasa of growth to hang around the farm..a dozen Combat Spirits and a few Cleanliness Spirits? I know a Elemental of Scents that is a hell of a tracker on his ways to being a spirit of blending that would love to help me...What do you think?'
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer nods his head slightly as he strokes his chin with his left hand, a deeply thoughtful look on his face, his right hand rests on the hilt of his broadsword strapped to his right hip for a left handed draw... a habit Realmer has picked up since acquiring it.
"What do I think?" He repeats the question slowly. "Well... you've given me much to think about." He pauses and looks thoughtful and taps his chin with his index finger.
"Firstly... I don't think you separating from the rest of us is truly best now. Especially since Reggie of the Rage and War said he would be bringing an army of his own with him... I think we're all in this together now. I believe the opportunity for you to fight and defeat him one on one may have passed us by and I take blame for that. Had I not made the verbal deal for his and our safety, you could have fought him one on one."
Realmer continues to stroke his chin, still looking thoughtful, but now pacing slightly.
"Secondly... I do agree that this whole mess is your fault. Had you not summoned Dufiro to help you and Tesa defeat the Treba Cursis Horsemen I am fairly sure all of this" he pulls his hand from his chin and points to the buildings and crops and Masons, "would not be happening." His hand returns to his chin, index finger tapping his lower lip. "The Adledross would not have allowed the Ritualists' Magic to work and brought them and all of this here, had you not broken the rules first. So, with that in mind, thirdly; I am torn about you summoning more Dufiro to help us."
"I agree with your logic regarding your use of Clericism, and the summoning of mounts, but I do not agree, fully agree, with your logic concerning the summoning of more Dufiro. It was the summoning of Dufiro that started this and set the chain of events into motion. I am concerned that you summoning more Dufiro will only make matters worse and make your... our punishment worse. And as the Commander of the Army and the one ultimately responsible for all these men and women... I'm have to factor that and them in."
Realmer sighs and pulls his hand from his chin and holds his index finger up and shakes it a bit and says, "But the 'not commander' part of me... the Sorcerer, the Adventurer... that part likes the idea of bringing in more help for the farmstead to supply the Army for our year here and maybe establish trade with those who have found the caches and want to trade... and also the bringing in of extra muscle...."
He trails off and is silent for a minute or so as he taps is lower lip and paces, his right hand gripping the hilt of his broadsword, tightens and loosens as he paces and thinks.
"I'll give you my final decision after you wake... but for now, I think you should not summon the Combat Spirits and maybe not the Masoja of Strength either... but the others I think would be acceptable... hopefully not enough to upset the balance with the Adledross and cause us more headaches. But do nothing until you have rested and then ask me again, before you summon anything."
Realmer looks to the house. "I wonder of the Time Flow Effect is effecting the entire house, or just the lowest level... the part below where you found the thin metal plates embedded in the walls...." He trails off again as he stares at the house.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort nods...
"OK....Counter-proposal... I'll grant that this is my fault...I'm off my game.. And seeing the Treba Cursis hunting Tesa kinda...well, whats done is done. You are probably right about me summoning friendly Dufiro... and frankly its only one of the spirits I really need to see. But....There are three elemental tomes, 2 spirit tomes, a Masoja of Knowledge, and who knows what else inside there. They let these thing be brought here so using them should be fair game. and who knows what might be inside. Still, summoning isn't something to be done lightly.. I think I need the MoK...I have to find Reggie's name to bind him. Killing him over and over will just piss him off and he already has a temper..Reggie got these books to them in North Dakota so they are probably allies of his. So I have the summoning and binding tome for a Dufiro who may know Reggie's name. I can summon him, twist him about, and see if he'll dance"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Hmm... alright... we'll start with the Masoja of Knowledge, then decide where to go from there. Since the tomes are here, we should use them... it would be a tactical error not to."
Realmer still seems somewhat lost in thought as he stares at the house, then glances to the tomes recovered so far sitting on the porch.
"I changed my mind. Forget sleep... let's go look the house over again. I want a few men around the house keeping track of the amount of time we spend inside... I really want to figure out the Time Difference and what it is effecting. And I am sure there is more to find in there... a second look might be worth the time."
Realmer looks to Fort and raises an eyebrow and cracks a slight smile.
"And we thought this would be a straight forward war of combat and tactics, survival and death..." Realmer snort laughs and winks at Fort.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort chuckles... "Being short I was never much of a front rank guy in the wars...those big shields....looks messy as heck"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I was involved in two wars back around my Adventuring Years... both were messy. Both times I stayed as far from the front lines as circumstances and my spells' ranges allowed... which in some cases was far to close for my liking. Which is the main reason why I thought I should attend NP and learn how to handle myself when magic was not an option. But it seems that the Magic has followed me... followed us, here."
He chuckles. "Well, since it seems the Gates of Magic have been flung open, we should use our skills and knowledge to their utmost. So... what are your thoughts on the house? Is the Time Difference effecting the whole house... or just parts? Since it is moving slower it could be useful for storage of foods; less time to rot... but we must be careful how much time we spend in there, so as not to lose the time we have out here to prepare for Reggie and Crew."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"The stairs to the bottom passed through numerous layers of stacked sheets of metal. Some I didn't recognize and its been a long time since that happened... My guess is those had temporal implications... Curious.. That might mean that the upper levels, above ground, are time current. And if we wish to use the summoning circles below we loose time relative to the army for using the available magical hardware below. Since we have these books I think they are daring us to loose a month below to summoning some relatively powerless creatures.. Or more if I want the MoK..."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, let's go test the theory by checking out the house above ground first, then return back outside to check the time. Then the basement in the same way, then lastly the Chamber."
Realmer calls over a few Troopers with a Hand Sign then verbally tells them to watch the house and keep track of the time that Fort and he are in there.
"Come with me Fort" Realmer says as he steps onto the porch. "Let's spend about 5 minutes looking though the house again, just a quick walk through, then check in out here."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
After a walk around the first floor for a few moments fort get distracted by the office. Looking through the books he starts taking down several and stacking them on the desk. As he walks along the shelves, collecting books he starts looking at the shelves. tsking...
Stepping back . Looking.
Slowly walking back to the desk he takes the books he had withdrawn and puts them back in the shelves, turning his head slightly.
"There is something.....about the shelves.. the library.. it covers three walls. There are no curios...but there are.. no..sections.... Its an occult library but its also a history library with non-occult topics...For a masonic lodge there should be a section on Masonry but they are spread out.. odd..."
He sits at the desk....
"Hector is tax attorney and there are a couple current books on tax law on the desk...papers.. no computer...There is plenty of tech in the other rooms..refrigerators..clock radios, flatscreens, microwaves, laptops in the bedrooms.. but there is nothing electronic in here...Weird.....no books of tax law in the shelves....."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer watches Fort and his interest in the books. He looks at the shelves/bookcases and watches as Fort puts the books back, wondering as well about the chaotic placement of the books. He looks at them for a pattern... he looks at the shelves/cases themselves for anything unusual.
"The fact that the books are not organized is odd, but not necessarily a puzzle or clue... I have known wizards who have a 'disorganized' system that works for them. But... the first thing that comes to mind is another hidden library; perhaps accessed through this room. Next is; this could be a powerful illusion and this is not what the room looks like at all. Another thought... this could be staged just to make us waste time."
"And speaking of time... let's move outside for a minute; it's been about 5 minutes since we came in... let's check how much time passed outside. Tell me your thoughts as we walk."
Realmer motions for Fort to get up and follow him. He has the feeling that Fort is somehow being compelled to be curious about this place and is worried he may waste too much time chasing false trails.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
fort walks behind you outside. He is mumbling softly, just below the threshold of hearing. Troops are going about their work. One of them approaches, "Was there something else Commander?"
In the distance Alex is ridding over with 3 cavalry men at a gallop.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Just one thing; how long were we gone?" Realmer asks as he watches Alex and the three men approaching on horseback.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The trooper says, "A few minutes.. I was just coming to tell you we have riders coming in"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Excellent. Thank you and carry on."
Realmer turns to Fort and says, "Looks like Alex is in a hurry."
Realmer looks back towards the approaching horsemen and tries to get a better look at those with him. He will Shape Shift his eyes to those of a vulture to get a better view.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort-'Well, I've never seen Alex casually stroll anywhere."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer chuckles and continues to watch their approach
*'''Michael James Watson'''
As the 4 horseman ride up Alex salutes.
"Commander, my Reen counterpart has informed me, that there is a force troops coming this way. 4 or so days out. Permission to take dragonback and scout them for composition and intentions."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort turns and walks back into the house.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Granted. Report back as soon as you can. Carry on."
Realmer turns and follows Fort. "Hold up, Fort. I'm still suspicious of this house and contents... especially since you seem to have an extremely high level of curiosity about it and its contents. You seem distracted and off your mark. It started when we arrived up there and saw the building down here and as the farmstead grows, so does you lack of focus."
Realmer pauses and stops before they enter the house again.
"Do you see it as well? Or am I being paranoid and making the wrong connections and assumptions?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort-"Realmer, my...lets call it.. friend, being suspicious seems to be a sound trait for Amberites.. As for me, I am off my game because its been 10 years since I had my drug of choice and I'm dealing with withdrawal from a drug that is fairly uncompromising. But I'm going to risk pissing off the Adledross further to get a friend to bring me a stash.. As for my curiosity, that's my nature. never met any thrice crowned bards I suspect, have you? Well, Arlo maybe... there is talk of getting him a trio of crowns if it won't piss off your king... "
Walking into the library, he looks around... "its been an age since I was intellectually challenged. OK, its a library...and a suicide note."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Treatise on White Magic, Hitler and the Occult, Initiation Into Hermetics, Secretum Secretorum Then...a masonic book...Illuminati secrets, Satanic Bible. another masonic book...Theatrum Chemicum, Herodotus, Early history of Rome, a masonic book...The works of Alister Crowley, Encyclopedia of Gypsy Magic, Story of Edger Cayce." Fort smiles, speaks with a bit of a chuckle.."Trained by the Great White Lodge, Exposing Witchcraft in the Church, Moonchild, Esoteric Orders and their works, Nostradamus, Tarot Magik! Its not a library, exactly....."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Hmmmmm.... not a library as you and I might know it.... but there is an odd design to it... what they are about... the man is searching for power and looking to every source he can find."
Realmer looks again at the order of the books, specifically where the Masonic Books are and what they seem to be about.
"Maybe there is a reason for the order of the books..." Realmer looks at more books... he looks at the covers not for their titles but the color or design and looks for a pattern. He looks for any books that appear to be more worn than others, or more used. He looks for markers sticking out to the books or makings on the books that don't seem to belong.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort smiles. "Its the easy things I trip over.." He taps the books in the upper corner one at a time. "Treatise on White Magic, Hitler and the Occult, Initiation Into Hermetics, Secretum Secretorum. T.H.I.S"
"This is the Testament of our Order; Spaces for one masonic book. new paragraph for three masonic books."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, look at that!" Realmer exclaims. "That would have taken me a while to spot too. Well then, let's see what has been spelled out for us."
Realmer reads the first letter of each title of each book, moving top left to right, then down, just like reading a page. He considers each book case it's own page.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Its the simple things....it's a flaw with us sorcerers. Precision. Detail. Weights to the grain of spice. Suspicion. Tension. I once spent an hour searching a mind boggling ornate door for trap, snares, wires, and everything I could figure out to unlock a door. In the end Venki just opened by turning the handle. It's like carston's thief friend opening traps with rocks."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Working over the top row of the library, taking into account single books on masonry and trios of masonic books, there is a message in English.
Fort reads aloud.
"This is the Testament of our Order;
We have fallen into folly. We delved too deep. We found not angles. We found not devils. We found not truth. But we were found. We go to drag our souls free.
The stone of our ancestors speaks treason to God. He binds us to call Great Fortunadas so we may slay him. We must pray the writer of tomes will be victorious.
If you of the thirty second order find this work do my final bidding. Bury the deep chamber. Fill it with excrement and soil. seal it with cement. Break the gate to the falling stair. Do not follow us into folly.
Hector Worshipful Master. '
Fort chuckles in irony.."Writer of Tomes again...sometimes our shadows have better press then we do ourselves. When we get outside I'm going to slap Hector around hard. the rest is all in Dufirosim of various languages and will take awhile to decipher.. Its in a mixture of languages and mixture of encodings... sly bitches...."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smiles when Fort relates his trap search experience, recalling some of his similar follies in the past... some recent. After reading the message left by Hector Realmer contemplates a moment then says;
"So the 'stone of our ancestors' would be the bound Dufiro, Reggie, who found a way to bind the Masons and summon YOU in order to slay you. My question now is; Why? Why does Reggie want you dead? Is it possible you know Reggie in some way? Or perhaps he is working for someone else... which I think is most likely... but I'm not sure why... my Sorcerer's suspicious nature probably." He winks at Fort.
"You know Dufirosim and Codes, so take the time and figure out the rest of the message. I'm going to check the rest of the house and basement to confirm my theory about the Time Difference only affecting the Chamber Below. And I think I agree with Hector's suggestion; we should bury it, destroy the entrance and seal it. As far as I could tell, all of the tomes were retrieved when we came up so there shouldn't be any need to go back down... unless the other non-magical inscribed markings on the floor are needed. After I make my rounds and check the time I would like to study that Tome you have; the tome on the Masoja of Knowledge. I think it's time I learned the inner workings of Summoning Dufiro."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I think I'm going to take a hill in view of the camp and summon this MoK. I'll summon a spirit of paper first, a friend, who can drop off my fix. Then I'll summon the MoK for everyone to see me bind the bitch. You can help set up the ritual and get a good education on summoning of them by seeing a hostile binding. Call the lesson 'Why not to bind Dufiro against their will' As for why Reggie has it in for me, that's easy. There is a price on my head among the Dufiro. And That price is paid in powers. My bet is Reggie,, a Masoja of War and rage wants to make the Jump to Masoja of Death, a huge jump. "
Glancing over the book, casually writing out the letters for future decoding, he goes on.
"When we fought the Ravers on Paradox we summoned and bargained with a lot of Dufiro and they allowed us to bind them to ourselves. The Raver were creatures of possession, taking a host, accessing their powers then boating them exponentially. Nearly invulnerable creatures able to channel the Illearth Stone. The Illearth Stone is a stone like the World Stone and other ridiculously powerful shadows of the Jewel of Judgment, far enough removed to not be recognizable as a shade. "
"Well, the Dufiro trade for power. They all knew what we planned to do and that 12 Ravers and the illearth stone meant a lot of free power floating around. There were about 12 of us regularly and another dozen occasionally, and all of us needed something bound into us so the Ravers could not possess us. All of us except Vonnilia who had her own possession issue to protect her, as much as she hated that. We picked 60 Dufiro, all Masoja, and bound them to us, willingly on their part. But hundreds were pissed purple not to be chosen. "
"The battles occurred and they were messy as fuck. Paradox was one huge flat realm like a dozen shadows plopped on a flat earth and it was ravaged north to south, east to west, mountain top to dungeon depth. Billions of the zillion people died, nations torn asunder, cities leveled, usual end of the world stuff. But in the end, we killed all 12. I got 3 Saints of Battle, one for a single one on one battle. Alex, Zat, Geata, Jeremy, Venki, Dolki, Jake & Kirgor, Nur al Din el Musifar, Koob, Borax, Paradune, Galahad, Wendy, Arin & Taroos, Mitcholt, Digan Reltorious and Topatia, Harriet, and even frigging Vomil, all got Saints of Battle. I still think Lop and Hibbit deserve one for a particular encounter. "
" Anyway....once set free the Dufiro we hired were buffed out hard. All were invited to several new races, and they even for the Raver marks like the rest of us did" He rub his forehead revealing a mithril tree implanted in his forehead, an inch tall. It coves over as he removes his hand from his head
"A lot of Dufiro were pissed we turned them down. Especially a few power-mongers among the Death, Rage, War, & Combat races.. So they put prices on our heads. Big ones. And since I was the prime summoner and bargainer, I got the big one. I have long suspected the possessions we experienced might have made us part Dufiro.. guess I was right. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"So... this is not so much about something you did, but moreover something you didn't do. You didn't kill or torture or enslave anyone... you just didn't chose 'them'... and they are angry about it and jealous of what they did not receive."
He pauses and snorts a laugh of disbelief or perhaps disgust.
"They sound like petulant children pouting over another child's new toy... mighty children with deadly powers, all be it... but children none the less... and that makes them even more dangerous, in my opinion."
Realmer thinks on Fort's idea a moment, tapping his lower lip with the forefinger of his left hand as he holds his chin.
"I like your idea about the Summoning of the MoK; a good learning experience for everyone. And if things go wrong, lots of back up on hand and another lesson will be learned. I would still like to study the Tome before you begin."
Realmer reaches towards Fort with his left hand and waits for him to hand over the Tome.
"And you still have a message to decode here before you can do any summoning on yon hilltop."
Once Fort hands over the Tome, Realmer will walk the house and basement, but not the Chamber Below, looking things over for anything odd or useful... keeping track of time while he does so. Then he will go outside and check in with the Troopers set to watch the house and keep track of the time.
Once Realmer is sure only the Chamber Below is affected by the Time Difference, he will speak with Troopers and Commanders in the area and check the progress of the Farmstead, and find out the current disposition of Tesa and the Drtida; specifically if they are on their way and how long before they arrive.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort nods." petulant children pouting over another child's new toy... mighty children with deadly powers,' Ye, that's a good description. Its important to bear that in mind when dealing with them. They are a diverse people and like any diverse people you have greedy one, generous one, altruistic ones, petulant ones. Its a good thing for the universe that the Masoja of Life, Health, Time, vision, & Wisher are almost universally benevolent. Few can manage to be cruel and advance in race to fool the Race Councils in those races. Horrible things have happened when a Masoja of Wisher went bad. Those races tend to get a bit aloof. But Death, War, Rage, Combat, & strength can be as vicious as Koob on a bender. And it important to understand if you intend to deal with them, that advancement is often the most important drive in them. Like a sex drive in mortals, the drive to gain power and privileged to sway a race council can be extremely powerful. Another thing to bear in mind no matter which kind you deal with, is their creation elemental race. These an be essentially unthinking larval stages are powerful too. Earth Elementals, Air Elementals, Fire Elementals, Water Elementals, can mess up a day if used wrong. But as they are used, they gain intelligence. Eventually being brought into the Spirit races. so in dealing with them knowing how they started is vital. My friend Tustrala started as an Air Elemental. he is breezy to this day. Relaxed, casual, flighty at times, but benevolent. Still, he can kick the crap out of you if he wants, literally. He is a Masoja of Cleanliness as well as Knowledge. So he can Clean someone; clean them out of stomach and bowel an bladder in and instant and explosively. That can be distracting to someone trying to bind them against their will. My girl Agdilas, who I have already put a call into, is a blending Spirit, lovely manners.. but she was a Spirit of Rot as well, on purpose no less. So she has her defenses too. I know, I know.. I'm monologuing... Here, take the book. But...and I'm not kidding, don't read aloud. Touch it, read it as best as you can.. Dufiro languages are not effected by the Read Language spell. But many a scholar tried sounding out the ritual and spoke just enough to get the things attention and piss it off. now, back to the library... If you see hector out there, send him in. He and I are going to talk."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer accepts the Tome and slips it under his arm.
"No... your monologuing is informative and useful... especially since I have a deal with three Dufiro to participate in their Mating Ritual, for which I will be compensated for by becoming the caretaker of a Stone and a Fire Elemental until they mature, and the ability to Summon a Dufiro of Combat, I believe it was... for 20 years I think. Anyway, good information since I will be dealing with them once I get out of here and they contact me when their Mating Time arrives. I'll send Hector in after I've finished checking the house. And I will not utter a sound while reading this Tome... might even cast a Silence Spell on myself just to play it safe."
He chuckles as he heads towards the office doorway.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort puts his hand on Realmer's shoulder, 'One more thing..You hired a Dufiro once before. I have heard your terms and I didn't want to say anything till it came closer to the time.. The deal you made with them? Dangerous and inadvisable. They took advantage of you. But they also let themselves in for trouble if you can best them.. The Race Ritual..They expected you to fail your part. And Earth and a fire elemental, can be as dangerous to their user as their foe if you are inexperienced. And I would bet they intended to give you the Calling name for the DoC. that lets you call him but then he is a free agent, able to cause havoc.. When you go to meet them, they expected a sorcerer puffed up in his vanity, thinking he could control what was beyond him.. An inexperienced mage...what you will be when you arrive is a skilled summoner. You are entitled to have two assistants for that kind of ritual. Let me be one and my friend Tusttrala the other. I imagine they will shit at the sight of us. But...it works well for them too and they will make the best of it. They will honor their bargain and deny they ever had bad intentions..."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer stops and turns to Fort when he places his hand on his shoulder. When he is done speaking, Realmer places a hand on his shoulder and looks deeply into his eyes. He sighs deeply and asks:
"So, you think the one who advised me was not as skilled at negotiations with Dufiro as they thought.... or.... do you think I was intentionally ill-advised? Do you think I was lead into a trap?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort purses his lips, "Hard to say not having been there.. But.. Dufiro and those that deal with them work the angles. Intentionally ill-advised? Probably not. Going out of the way to piss an Amberite is never a good plan. Not skilled? They bargained with the name of a Masoja of Combat. if they did it without their permission its all kind of risky. but more likely it was double edged. it could be seen as making a sweet deal with a first timer to encourage a return in the future. Including your participation in a Race Ritual implies that. also, they probably got more then you expected them to, not knowing what they value. A Dufiro spent time in Castle Amber...Even if they did little or nothing that looks good on their record.. I think they gave you a lot at a time when you were an unknown property in Amber and the Dufiro you hired got something in Amber you didn't know he wanted. just my guess. and, make no mistake, your participating the the Ritual, is big juju for the principal. Means they might call on you some day as if you were a long lost uncle.. and... others may not know what you contributed to the ritual, or the Elementals, so they gin good bluffs in future bargains.. it's complicated, tricky, and risky all around"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well then... let me give you something else to think on in your spare time; the details of all that transpired during that negotiation and the names of all involved; Dufiro and Broker... but not my companions, for now. I am suddenly suspicious of the intentions of the one who advised me."
Realmer tells Fort of his visit to the Great Tents at the Fane of Zilla, and the meeting with the Broker and his name, his original deal for the two Dufiro while in the Courts area and their names, the name of the third Dufiro of Blending that joined the negotiations, and the fact that the three named Dufiro are the ones involved in the Ritual. He relates the terms of the Deal in every detail he can recall, including the requested location of the Ritual, his part in the Ritual and the insistence of the signing of names in blood at the end. Realmer is careful not to mention anything that might give away who he was traveling with, but does mention what was advised by that one.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Remind me who he was traveling with.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
actually remind me in general. its been awhile
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
(Traveling with Jurt and Jasra. Jurt advised Realmer on the Dufiro Deal. The Broker was named Calat. The Dufiro of Blending that joined the negotiation was named Kala Kala was female. The Masoja of Combat was female, named Gazil. The Masoja of Guard was male, named Risik. The two Elementals and the MoC will be the offspring of the MoG and MoC... and yes, only Calling Name was given for the MoC offspring.)
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort-'Guard, Combat, Blending....Earth and Fire...Nice.. OK, that makes a bit more sense. Its a power play....I don't know Catal but I know the kind. They bargained for a godfather....Very catholic...Expect the two to use your name in their future bargaining; you know, my friend Relmopator, yes, that's the one, the Amberite..He would be angry if I agreed to those terms.. I think you should include a thousand stratcha stones and more of the oil of Life... The person who advised you is probably hoping that by getting you to accept a deal to their advantage that he can call on them later. If you are in contact with this person it would be worth your time to ask something like, ;oh, hey, did you get what you wanted from Gzil and Risik? They will probably get real nervous that you asked"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer grins from ear to ear. "Oh, I will be in contact with said person after graduation. I was intending to see that person anyway, but now it is a must. I can only hope that the Ritual happens before that visit. Oh, I should also mention, that due to an... call it an 'incident', that occurred within the Courts of Chaos, it was advised that I NOT go to the proposed Site for the Ritual, but instead counter-offer with the Tombs of Amber on Mount Kolvir."
Realmer's eyes narrow and he gets a devious looks about him. "But to be perfectly honest... between you and me.... if I could somehow receive the calling from the Dufiro while I am here..." he gives Fort a sly smile. "I would to haul those Dufiro' here, to this World of War, for their Ritual... somehow I feel that might be a greater honor for Combat and Guard Dufiro than the Tombs. And I would gain several months of experience with the Elementals before I return to Amber and visit... the person who advised me. The look on their face would be...." Realmer smiles with a far away look in his eyes... "worth more than any amount of training or magical knowledge. I would so relish to show the upper hand, to that person, in a way that will not easily be forgotten... but not in a threatening way."
Realmer looks to Fort. "I'm sure you know what I mean." He smiles and then says, "Perhaps I should check out the rest of the house while you riddle over the rest of the message."
Realmer pats Fort on the shoulder and moves to check out the rest of the house then check on the time and what's going on outside the house.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort ""return to Amber and visit....Someone comfortable dealing with Dufiro....A Broker..A Blender, Combat master, and a Guard master walk into a bar, The blender says, its a hell of a mix in here... Vek, Jurt, Despil, Shaz Far, Desri....Not Doria or Yalla...less likely Despil..Shaz is being bounced around by Benedict..Dara isn't in Amber.."
He starts writing the books in order...Playing with numbers and ciphers.
Walking around the house there are many bed rooms with the look of having been recently cleaned. 12 look look lived in but in the way a long tern hotel room does. Few personal mementos. Several changes of clothes. Each room has books on masonry, bibles, not pads.. Each has a single envelop on the pillow.
Walking around he notices that the rooms and halls don't balance. the sizes are not right. 12' square rooms and 20' halls.. There is enclosed space somewhere on the main floor in the middle of 20 or so sleeping rooms, sitting rooms, and music rooms. The music rooms have pianos and each has cabinets that look like they are filled with sheet music. One Music room has a dozen 2'2'4 steel boxes.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
In one of the 12 sleeping rooms with envelopes on the pillows, Realmer will bring up the Pattern and looks through its Lens to check for Magic on anything in the room. If the envelope is not magicked, Realmer will look it over for powders or stains (possible poison?) then open it if he feels safe doing so... he thinks he already knows what it is. He compares the contents of the envelope, the paper itself, with the paper of the note pad.
When Realmer reaches the music room with the 12 identical steel boxes, he once again brings up the Pattern and looks through its Lens searching for Magic in this room in general but specifically on the steel boxes. Realmer will also check the piano in the room to see if there is any sheet music on the stand.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer will also check the wall in the music room that he believes a secret room may be hidden behind. He looks for hidden or secret doors, obvious levers or switches, common hidden varieties of levers or switches, all based on his experience as an Adventurer. If he finds nothing in this music room, he will begin searching each room, hallway, specifically the wall that shares with the 'hidden room'.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
When he opens the envelops he finds a farewell note to a Woman named Gladys. Kiss the kids, sorry I won't bee there kinds of stuff. bank account, life insurance numbers. No magic. The Steel boxes are non-magic as well.
There is music on the is Faust, and Opera in 5 parts by Charles Gounod, to a French libretto.
As he walks among the rooms and halls he sees no secret doors till walking in one long hall he notices a slight discoloration in wallpapers, and examining it finds a wall that looks like it shifts back and to the side,
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks it over carefully, checking for traps as best he can; he may not be a 'thief', but he has learned a few things about checking for traps over the years. If he feels it is safe, he will figure out how to open it and do so carefully... ready to 'react' to any 'surprises' within.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The door clicks open and a light goes on. There is a a corridor 40' long and 10' wide.


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smiles and wonders if any are loaded, if there is extra ammunition and if it is in here as well, and if gunpowder even works here. He inspects the contents on the room carefully, using his knowledge of firearms gained in NP, then takes down a modern looking black assault rifle from the rack on the left wall, releases the magazine and checks it for ammo. Whether the magazine is loaded or empty, Realmer will put it back in the rifle, clicking it in place. Then he will slide the bolt back part way to see if a round is chambered. If there is a bullet chambered, he will slide the bolt back into place... if not, and the magazine is loaded, he will slide the bolt all the way back and let it go, chambering a round.
If the assault rifle is not loaded, Realmer will search for the appropriate ammo and load it. If he cannot find the appropriate ammo, but finds ammo for another firearm present, he will load it instead.
If Realmer finds no ammo or loaded firearms, he will take the original black assault rifle with him into the office and show it to Fort, making sure to close the secret door behind him.
If Realmer does find any ammo or loaded firearm, he will leave the secret room, closing the secret door behind him, then he will take said loaded firearm outside, step off the porch, point it at the dirt a couple feet away and squeeze the trigger, making sure any 'safety' is off before attempting to fire it. Realmer does not tell anyone what he is doing; this is more than one kind of test.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Going through the collection of looks like a Hodge lodge of mixed civilian weapons and gear. Shotguns. Hunting rifles. Pistols, handguns. There is a variety of ammo. There are a lot of hunting tools and equipment. Some camp gear. Binoculars. There is a lot in cases as well as in racks. It looks organized as if in personal gear.
As he goes through, picking up a civilian non-fetish ar15 it occurs to him some of the groups are fairly old. Some dusty. As he looks some are really old. Single shot bolt action rifles. .22s. Many not just dusty but corroded. Admonishes calling apart. Have ripped and tied together with twine. A Ralph's grocery bag filled with pistol parts and pieces. He realizes these are collections of personal weapons from people who passed away and left their collections to the lodge either in their will of by family's dumping them on them.
Taking the best AR he can find outside he fires off a shot. In moments Carston and two other troopers arrive.
Carston" is there trouble? ". Fort steps out behind you. "So what did you find? "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smiles and says, "Excellent response time. I've found a cache of firearms and ammo. And apparently, gunpowder works here. Fort, Carston, follow me."
He leads them back into the house and down the hallway to the secret door, then opens it and shows them the room.
"Not sure how the lights are working... some hidden power source we have yet to find. Some of this stuff looks too old to use, but much of it looks to still be useful."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Carston, who has had little interaction with fire arms looks impressed. Fort starts picking up pieces, ratcheting through them showing he is familiar with them...
Fort-"Carston..get. Ah.....Garrick, Devin, Landon,and.... " looking to Realmer thinking. "Jeffry, and Felineah... They are all from Star Fleet. They will have better experience with these. Could be a couple thousand.. I've used these things but I'm not a Total Warrior..oh hell..get Alex..eventually. He is a Total Warrior. Wait..get those idiot occultists in here! This is their stuff. What say you, commander. Have them drag this crap out on the big porch, set up table, sort, clean, categorize this stuff to see what they got?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Sounds like a great idea, Fort. But I still suggest the Star Fleet personnel come as well. Just because the weapons belong to the Occultists, does not mean they actually know how to use them or care for them. Some of this stuff looks older than them and totally uncared for. But yes, let's start with Hector and his men to clean out the room and get things started. Then have any of our troopers that are very familiar with these types of firearms to repair and recondition those that can still be useful."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Hector comes with the other men come, looking frazzled, as all are somewhat. One of the men explains that many lodge members gave large portions of their collections when they passed. He mentions that a similar room on the floor above is filled with bows, arrows and various knives, axes, and other hunting equipment, though much of that was less tendered. The collections were almost never examined. Though..the best pieces, and the illegal ones, are in the first bunker level basement.
Fort smiles, "illegal ones?"
He shrugs, " we've had a lot of police over the years in the lodge. a
AKs, M16s. Grenades, c4, ah....rocket launchers...... "
Fort laughs.. "OK,it's decided,Hector.. I'm joining your lodge...."
Fort looks to Realmer.... "Masons with rocket launchers...got to love the wakadoodles.. Listen, I read enough in the library. It's not going to be easy. Permission to take Hector and one other fellows formally as apprentices. They know just enough to be dangerous without formal instruction. The other ten will need close looking after too. In the game universes is say the 10 are at least 3rd level ritualists. That's enough to make a mess since they don't have the sense to not muck with forces beyond their ken. Hector here picked up a Cantrip just by watching me do it twice..."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Hector mumbles, "I'll have to start a traveling lodge and I've no idea how far we are from the nearest grand lodge..."
Fort turns and laughs, "how far? All roads lead to Amber, that's how far...but I must say a traveling lodge sounds suitable.....and......Realmer, that's not a terrible idea....a traveling lodge......"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer snort laughs. "What do you want to do? Take the farmstead with us when we leave?"
Realmer looks like he is about to laugh again, but then his eyes get a far away, thoughtful look for a few seconds, then the smiles and says, "Estate Transfer Spell...... we COULD take the place with us."
Realmer smiles at the thought, but then his look changes, the smile disappears... he blinks his eyes several times then shakes his head as though clearing his mind of clutter. Then he looks to Fort with a serious expression on his face.
"Traveling Lodge? Joining the Lodge? Taking on Apprentices? Fort... are you losing your focus? Are you forgetting we are on a World of War? Have you forgotten our purpose here? Or have you something in mind that I haven't fathomed yet?"
Before Fort can answer, Realmer says, "Alright, I do understand the need to train these Occultists; for their safety and ours. But what's your thinking on the traveling lodge part?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort-'Im a member of a number of secret societies. But I was involved in other business when Tolknor did the whole Masonic thing in York. It never really spread to Tosa. It was big on Paradox. look, its worth thinking about. We are in a place under unusual circumstances.. and many of the people we meet, and many we brought here, are leder type. so we how do we bind them? Most are already loyal to Amber. Good. I wouldn't want to change that.. But these warriors can have many loyalties. Wouldn't you like to develop a power base? I have CHad, kind of, but I also have a few thousand particular friends willing to gut foes for me with little reward... Just my continued patronage. Do you think Bleys doesn't have that kind of cadre? Benedict certainly does.. Caine must have to have developed a spynetwork for Amber.. Julian had the Rangers.. Alex has a devoted group of 1000 friggin Titans. They serve not because of the World Stne but because of hared conquest. Look at these people? there are 5000 Amberite soldiers here and who knows what they will be doing a year from now.. But....If we create a lodge..develop a loyalty complimentary to Amber, to the Princeling they served in Adledross with... ties that bind.. When you need a 100 guys, you call on the lodge, or the circle or the Fellows of The Black Cape, or whatever..jut thinking out loud...."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort-"Sorry,,I am overthinking things.. we are only a few weeks into 10 months. But it seems places like this pop up to keep us fed. and equipped. Hip pigs..Farms...an arsenal of weapons and such..This seems like the logistical phase and if done wrong, things might get scares later on. I suggest we take 10 days here. Clean the arms. Check everything. let me teach Cantrips. pack everything we need up and get 10 days from here before Reggie's 20 days are up. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
As Realmer listens to Fort speak, a look of understanding comes into his eyes, then a bit of a gleam appears as Fort goes on. Then a smile appears... and the more he listens to Fort's idea, the bigger and broader the smiles gets. He begins nodding his head up and down slowly, still grinning.
"Fort... I like the way you think. Certainly more grand than my own plans for this place... and after... but still... very workable... and fits well enough with my goals and ideals..."
He trails off, a far away look in his eyes... but only for a few moments. Then he focuses on Fort, then looks around him at everything... and smiles again.
"Right. 10 days to get everything and everyone ready and get out... to train these 12 Occultists in the basics of real magics... and in that time we must summon a Masoja of Knowledge, learn what we can and prepare for our coming battle with Reggie, the Masoja of Rage and War. And turn this farmstead into an accelerated food producing and food storage stronghold.... all while battling the standard threats and planned threats that Adledross offers."
Realmer grins from ear to ear. "Fort, I want you to take four of the Occultists, I'll take another four and when Tesa gets here with the Drtida, she can take the remaining four. Each of us has some form of Low Order and High Order Magic, and once they get the hang of Cantrips, I want them to learn a few Power Words.... just like the rest of our Troopers. And at some point in the next 10 days, before we leave... you and I will need to talk about this 'traveling lodge' of mine... of ours... and works out the details and get all of Amber's Troopers and Commanders, as well as the Occultists joined up. I would also like to 'honor' the Reen with the opportunity to be founding members of this new Lodge. We have a lot to do, so let's all get to it."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Over the next four days there is a flurry of activity.
Guns, blades, ammo and other equipment is brought out, expertly cleaned and sorted. 300 shotguns of various gauges. 200 hunting rifles, some with scopes. 100 bolt action riffles of the Grand & enflield variety in 303& 306. A trio of sharps .50s. 300 .22 rifles of various kinds. 120 assault riffles of either AR or AK variations and equivalences. 125 M16s military issue. 300 grenades. 5 rocket launchers and about 50 round. 800 various hunting knives up through machetes. 3200 folding pocket knives of various designs.
After a day where the guns are brought out and people skilled at dealing with them have instructed enough to clean them all, Fort takes his 4 ritualists and 4 troopers disappears with them, on horseback. He makes sure he has some of the first trumps.
(an edit) He recommends 2 troopers to Realmer as his best options of the troopers who can learn magic. Both already have a bunch of cantrips and Amber psyche, coming from magic rich shadows near Amber. (name them). He picks two Troopers for Tesa to include in her group that while having Chaos psyche they have what he calls thievish talents.
Alex informs Realmer that the warband that had been coming this way were intercepted by the Kzin and brutally dispatched. He would like permission to take a hundred horse and a hundred troops to go scour the dead for proper human armor rather then the Orcish mishmash.
The Drtida start sorting out among the two camps and getting a handle on the farms. their leader suggests they break down about half the hams for portioning our to the troops when the company marches.
The Reen are spending a lot of time ranging out further and further. One night the whole company takes wing west without word.
No word comes from any of the other armies.
On the morning of the 5th day Fort and his charges return. The 4 of them look 30 year younger and have a strange mixture of confidence and terror in their eyes.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer declares the house as the Command Center and that it is off limits to everyone but Commanders, Sub-Commanders, a few approved Troopers and the 12 new Apprentices. The Chamber Below is off limits to everyone until further notice. Realmer spends a very minimal amount of time overseeing things as he knows once orders are given, things get done and done well.
As soon as the activity begins on the house, Realmer gathers his four new apprentices then mentally summons Bob to him and speaks verbally.
“Bob, as Communications Master, I need you to establish better communications with all the Commanders, and we have a few new ones now. I want you to recall and reabsorb the Remote Eyes you have with the current four Commanders and Shape Shift off ten tiny black hummingbirds. They are to be assigned as follows: Dandilar, Traxton, Kablin, Carston, Fort, Ranatal of the new Cavalry Commander, whomever is assigned as the Artillery Commander, Drishti the temporary Scout Commander, whomever is assigned as the Firearms Commander, and Alexandir for now. Visit each in person to deliver the Remote Link hummingbird and instruct them about how to use it to communicate with any and all Commanders. Also, check on the progress of the Artillery and let me know who was chosen as Artillery Commander. Thanks, Bob. Also, I don't want to be disturbed for the next... let's say four hours.”
Realmer calls over two Troopers and tells them, and the 4 ritualists, to follow him. He leads them to a barn away from the noise of the house and activity then instructs the Troopers to keep watch and not to disturb him for any reason short of immanent death and places them on guard at either end to keep everyone out. He takes his new apprentices to a spot near the center of the largest open area, strips off his weapons and his shirt then sits down cross legged. When he speaks, it is in a calm a soothing tone, but not overly so. He tones down his Commander's Voice to something more like an Instructor's or Teacher's Voice.
“Remove your shirts and sit in front of me, side by side as close as possible. Now, look me in the eyes, without fear, for I will not hurt you.” He pauses a moment for them to do so, then continues. “You are now my apprentices, but I am not your Master and you will not call me such; I am your Commander and you will call me Commander. Each of you must learn Magic and learn it quickly, but we don't have the time to do this in any normal fashion. So, you must submit to my Will and give yourselves over to me completely and willingly; something I know you are all familiar with and capable of. Now I know it didn't go well for you the last time and that you are quite wary, if not downright fearful, of doing so again... so I give you my word that I will not harm you and that I will release you from the Compellings I intend to use to help in your training. These Compellings are intended to help each of you remain calm and focused so you can learn quickly in a foreign hostile environment. You must listen to my words carefully and when I give instructions, you must follow them exactly, without questions and without hesitation.”
Realmer gives them a few moments to process the information and his requirements, then continues. “You will sit there without moving or making any sounds. You will watch what I do carefully and not look away. This is a demonstration of a True Power and High Order Sorcery. Soon you will see the Sigil of the Pattern of Amber appear in the air before you. You will see many bundles of magical energies Hung upon it; they are High Order Spells.”
Realmer brings up the image of the Pattern in his mind, walks it to its center, the wills the Sigil to manifest visually before him, between him and the men sitting before him; large like a shield, his Hung Spells easily visible. Realmer focuses on one, the Amnesia Compellings Spell; he makes several adjustments to the Spell's parameters to alter its effects so it does not completely wipe the victims' memories of a specified time period, but instead, subdues all personal memories of past experiences to make them seem like a past life and not something to be overly concerned with or think on much unless the knowledge is needed or requested... similar to what was done to him and everyone else when they all began their training in the Nasty Place a little over nine years ago. When he is satisfied with his work, he will focus on another Spell; the Loyalty Compellings. He will check its parameters, tweaking them slightly to better fit this exact situation, then spend several minutes pouring additional energies into to compensate for the four men present. The spell is designed to affect one or more victims, but Realmer buffed it up because he likes to err on the side of caution and over preparedness when possible. When both Spells are ready, Realmer shrinks the Sigil down to the size of a dinner plate directly in front of his face, but mostly transparent and ghostly in appearance so he and his apprentices can easily see through it, then he addresses them.
“Look me in my eyes through the ghostly Sigil and follow my instructions exactly.” Realmer raises his left hand and extends it forward slightly. “You two men on my left; place your left arm around the shoulders of the man to your left, then take your right hand and grasp my left forearm firmly and do not let go, but do not restrict my movements in any way. And keep your eyes only on my eyes and listen only to my voice.”
Realmer then raises his right hand and extends it forward slightly. “You two men on my right; place your right arm around the shoulders of the man to your right, then take your left hand and grasp my right forearm firmly and do not let go, but do not restrict my movements in any way. And keep your eyes only on my eyes and listen only to my voice.”
“Soon you will feel my mind touching yours; or more accurately, my Psyche making contact with each of your Psyches'. When you feel this sensation, open your mind... lower your Psychic Resistance and allow the contact freely. Then you will feel my Psyche completely overpower your Psyches'; again, lower your Psychic Resistance and allow it to happen, freely. None of this is painful, when you allow it to happen freely.”
(more below)
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
(more above)
Realmer feels the four men's touch upon his skin... he reaches out with his Psyche, now feeling the four men's Psyches... he pushes with his Psyche gently but steadily against the four men's Psyches' until he feels all four of them allow contact. Once Psychic Contact is achieved with all four, Realmer will push steadily harder with his Psyche against theirs until he has Dominated their Psyches'. Once Psychic Domination is achieved, Realmer will mentally speak in calming tones, telling the men to release their anxieties and fears, to let go their worries and problems, to remain calm and focused. He tells them to keep looking into his eyes, to keep holding on to him but to allow him to move his arms freely. He then focuses on the Modified Amnesia Compellings Spell hung on the Pattern, and releases it, having already modified all Lynchpins for the four men before him. Once their memories are dulled, Realmer will release the Loyalty Compellings Spell, again already modified for the four men before him to be loyal to him, their Commander; Relmopator of Amber. Once the Loyalties are in place, Realmer will spend the next two hours instilling another Compelling, that he did not have ready in Spell form; a Compelling for the four men to remain calm and focused, to observe and listen, to make them very receptive to learning new information and following directions exactly.
Realmer then looks into the eyes of the man on his far left, letting him know that Realmer is addressing him and him alone.
“Your new Designation is A. You will forget any names that you were known by before this day. The personal details of your past life are unimportant currently. You are an Apprentice of Commander Relmopator of Amber. What is your Designation?”
Realmer will repeat this process for each of the other three men, proceeding for left to right, their Designations being: B, C, and D respectively.
Once this is all completed, Realmer will return to the house with his apprentices and have them help with the cleaning, sorting, organizing and repairing of weapons and gear using Cantrips that Realmer will teach them on the spot, Cantrips like; Clean, Gather, Knot, Mend, Stitch and Tie.
When Tesa arrives with the Drtida, Realmer will bring over the four remaining Ritualists, then gives her some minimal instructions on how to train her four new apprentices: "I want them to learn as many Cantrips and power words as you can teach them in the next 10 days. And if possible, even a few Low Order Spells... if they are capable. They may already know one Cantrip... you decide what they learn next and how. But I want the first Power Word they learn to be Magic Negation. I'll check on your progress in 5 days. Good luck."
Realmer approves Alex's request for 100 horse and 100 men to scrounge for armor and makes sure he has his little black hummingbird for communication with the other Commanders.
Realmer keeps his apprentices close and is constantly making them learn new Cantrips and telling them how Low and High Order Magic functions... when they are not busy working. By the second day, Realmer is working on Power Words with them. By the fourth day, Low Order Magic Spells, 1st Level; he chooses to teach them Magery (Warlock) due to the total lack of Material Components needed for Spells from that system. And the first Spell he teaches them is Read Languages... and begins teaching them Thari.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
When Realmer touches the 4 men's psyche he notices something immediately. Each has had his heartfire strengthened by possession by a Dufiro. Almost certainly Reggie. It doesn't equal control or binding but looks like something designed to make them more fit to enact the rituals he taught them. It wasn't done calmly but in terror and pain but it raised all of them to Amber psyche and endurance. It raised them to chaos strength. They each have a hodgepodge of odd power words. One has a strange psychic resonance he has not seen before. But in the end they learn
Alex returns in a couple days with 800 suits of armor, once the pieces are matched up, all in a leather/chain range with half helms and some joint armor. He also brings two Kzin that are near death. He explains that despite knowing that death means resurrection in the east, the Kzin do not wish to be euthanized. He brought them in the hopes that Fort can heal them.
When Fort returns the next day he is able to manage healing them. Afterwards he and his apprentices move to prepare the summoning hill.
Otherwise plans proceed.
(Note the edit in my upper comment?)
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
[Yes; I saw your Edit above. Adding/inserting a little more to account for it.]
After Fort's recommendation and subsequent departure, Realmer seeks out his new advanced apprentices; Trooper Albert Ornhurst XVII and Trooper Ernest Hess. He explains to them that they have shown a very high aptitude for Sorcery, and have been chosen to be his new Apprentices. First, Realmer explains to them what he did to his other four new apprentices; the Masonic Ritualists, and why, but that they will not be undergoing the same process. Realmer tells Bert (as he prefers to be called) and Ernie (as he has been called his whole life) that he expects them to learn Magic well enough to train his four lower apprentices, if needed.
Realmer begins by teaching Bert and Ernie some Low Order Magic; Magery (Warlock) Spells, and some Power Words to begin their High Order training. After a day or so, once they have the hang of Low Order and High Order Magic, he begins teaching them Sorcery by teaching them the 4 Micro-Spells in the following order: Mind Touch, Shadow Manipulation, Shadow Opening then Magical Energy. By day five, the day Fort returns, Bert and Ernie should have no less than two Basic High Order Spells learned; Mind Touch and Defensive Material at minimum.
In regards to his 4 Masonic Apprentices, Realmer takes the time to figure out what Power Words they already know and adds to them. He also takes the time to investigate the one man's 'strange psychic resonance', at least enough to have an idea of why it seems strange to Realmer.
Realmer also takes the time to read the Tome of Summoning for the Dufiro of Knowledge and is careful not to utter a sound when he does. When Fort returns, Realmer returns the tome to him and will assist, or at least observe, the preparations for the summoning on the hill.
[I will be adding a reply to the Comment below soon.]
*'''Michael James Watson'''
(Bert & earnie? ok. But Earnst is not the Easnst Hess that served with Hitler. No earthlike worlds that close to Amber, ones knowing Amber well enough to have soldiers in Amber's army. The 4 masons all have unusally high Psyche, Chaos Ranked at least. One has at least Amber psyche if not pointed and he is the one with the ressonance)
After studying the one with resonance Realmer knows its something but not quite sure what.
After reading the Tome through he realizes what it is about the man. Looking him over again he realizes the man has had a Dufiro of some power bound to him. Not a Masoja but an Avasa and it is still bound to him. It is not mentally in control of the man but is serving in some kind of voluntary binding. the man himself does not have any idea about it when asked. Realmer also can not tell what kind of Avasa it is.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
(Yes... Bert and Ernie. hehe. The name Ernest Hess was just a coincidence... didn't realize the Historic significance.)
Realmer does not mention to Fort his discovery about the Avasa at this time.... Fort seems really busy in that library. Realmer just watches the man's behavior and continues on.)
*'''Michael James Watson'''
As watching the man go about his work a the farm is assembled he seems to be the one looking over ham. the smoked house. he is very familiar with them and the process. Claims he runs a restaurant back home. He selects the ones and sets up the stations to rend them into traveling portions. He also looks over the Hip Pig that had been secured and has it all moved into the smoke house and properly, non-magically, preserved for smoking.
On the 8the day Fort comes out and stands next to Realmer watching the man work..
"I felt it too.. I thought he might have had a Dufiro pass through him and thought it might have been Reggie. Now I'm more attuned to things here. He has a Avasa bound to him. I'm willing to bet when you taught him the fire Cantrip he got it the first time. I think he has a Fire Avasa bound to him. Makes sense. Reggie is a Rager. He could easily have Fire Avasa in his pay. The question is what to do about him?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well...." Realmer draws the word out, then pauses. "If it is a spy for Reggie, then it already knows our plans, so setting it free might give Reggie information he does not yet have. Of course, Reggie may already know if the Avasa has a Psychic Link to Reggie the Rager. Killing it would be difficult here, and might enrage it and create an enemy when it revives."
Realmer pauses and looks Fort in the eyes. "Perhaps I should talk to the Avasa and see if I can get it for work for me, instead of Reggie. I'm sure some sort of arrangement can be made. It's worth a try at the least."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort nods, "Ah Arnold, can you come over here please?"
Arnold comes over, chewing on a bit of Pork fat.
Fort slams his psyche into him, binding him in statue like stillness.
Fort nods, "Path open.. It will speak Chaosian Thari to be sure..Your ball."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer turns to look at Fort with an arched eyebrow, but says nothing, then turns back to Arnold. Realmer speaks in his best Chaosian Thari.
"I am speaking to the Avasa within the man. My name is Relmopator, as I am sure you know. Please speak with me. What shall I call you?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Call me Vatra, though summoning with that name would be pointless. What a swirl of peoples are in you. What have you done to Arnold. We were cooking lovely pig. I was relishing the feast to come, tasting through him. Hve you told him I reside in him? He would have no love of fire were it not for me.. I joined with him when he took the 4th circle of the Masonic order. Uzgata sent me to him though being him has been such a fine pleasure"
Fort whispers.."Uzgata....."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well met, Vatra. I know the name you give is only for conversation and not summoning. And yes; there are many peoples within my lineage; I come from an unusual line. And worry not about Arnold, he is unharmed. We wanted him to 'move aside' so I could speak to you. I did question him about you, but he had no idea you were inside him and I'm sure he didn't believe me. I am glad you are enjoying your experiences through Arnold. And I am glad you are not harming or controlling Arnold. You say Uzgata, Uzgata the Masoja of Rage and War? He sent you to Arnold? Why? Do you work for Uzgata? If so, why? What has he promised you? And what are you to do for him to get what he promised?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Vatra makes a sounds like a rasp that might be laughter, "You think I see your linage? No.. I see the people within you. Do not confuse those with your line of the meat of you. Your heartfires. The Wizard. The Diplomat. The Warrior. The Fire of Abandonment. The Fire of Vengeance. The Father's Fire. The Mother's Fire. The Fey Fire. The Adask Fire. The Fire of Chaos, though---What is this Chaos fire of yours mean, so green and frail..... So many people with such a weak central heartfire to warm them. I know a Blender who would unify those people in you. What might you become then with such heat. "
Arnold shakes suddenly.
"I've let Arnold hear me.. I'm closer so even this Dufiro of Knowledge beside you, whose name I know not, can not keep Arnold's Heartfire blind. His Heartfires burns together in a merry dance. You query widely. That is poor manners for a summoner but then you do not summon me. Uzgata screeches but he pays. He offered me Arnold to learn of the foods of his world. The Pig. The Cow. The Goat. I've felt my fingers in the drippings of such lovely meats. All I give Uzgata is Arnold's obedience, that he might whisper a word in the ear of his Worshipful Master. Such strange secret societies these humans have. They play at being Wizards and come dangerously close to desolation. Uzgata may have these others in his thrall but I have strengthened Arnold's Heartfire. He is mine, at least for now."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smiles and says, "I know a Blender as well, Vatra... perhaps I will mention this Blending of Heartfires you mentioned when next we meet."
He pauses and nods his head to Arnold/Vatra. "Allowing Arnold to hear and know is a good thing for all. Arnold, you should know what is going on inside your body and mind. And Vatra, if you have not already done so with what you have done, I will now return Arnold's full memories of self. Arnold; allow me into your mind, momentarily, to remove a partial memory block."
Realmer reaches in with his Psyche and removes the Modified Amnesia Compellings only. He leaves the Calm Focused Learning Compellings and Loyalty Compellings in place for now.
"There. All done. Arnold; you are yourself, but still Loyal to me. Now I have a question for each of you. Arnold, now that you know, do you still want the Avasa to continue to inhabit your body? And Vatra; would you like to work for me instead? Perhaps we can work out a deal where you get what you want without serving Uzgata."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"You are under the mistaken belief that Arnold has a choice in this while I am content to stay. Now he and I shall make deals between us first. Then we will decide if we will continue in your tutelage. I have learned much in this hosting. When I let Arnold lead continue to teach him and he will continue to serve. Someday we will negotiate for powers. "
Fort steps closer, having released Arnold completely.
"Your bargain is fair. I am Fortunadas Enright. I seek to bargain and have powers to trade."
Arnold looks to him, speaks in Vatra's voice, "Fortunadas of Knowledge. You are known. Unsummoned I bargain. What is your bid?"
Fort-"I am a writer of tomes. I will write your Masoja Tome. "
Vatra, "Truly? And my part?"
Fort-"The summoning name of Uzgata. And the Line of his life as proof of powers."
Vatra-"Done. Uzgata's Life Path is Elemental of Fire, Spirit of Combat , Spirit of Fire , Spirit of Rot, Avasa Dufiro of Rage, Avasa Dufiro of Conflict, Avasa Dufiro of Fire:, Masoja of War, Masoja of Rage. When I see the Tome you offer, I shall tell you the name."
Fort-"We are on a isolated world. I do not have access to the appropriate materials to make a suitable Tome worthy of a Masoja of Fire. Give me the name and on my True Name I bind the oath that I shall provide the Tome in the Halls of the Amber Cult in the Fane of Zilla. If will be covered in Fire Dragon Hide, leafed with elven skin vellum. It will be bound with cord made of hair of ranyhyn tail. The Ink I will use will be bartered from a Dufiro of Vision of my acquaintance. "
Vatra-'Done. Give me prepared leather and I shall write the name. Summoning only. I know not his binding name. that is on you."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort-"Spirit of Rot? Really? Was he a bad boy?"
Vatra-"Do you bargain for that Story, Writer of Tomes?
Fort laughs, "Not today. But let us put that on the list for after Zilla. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks to Fort when he declares the bargain is fair, and defers to his knowledge and experience in these matters. Realmer listens carefully as Fort bargains further with Vatra and is impressed how quickly the got what he wanted. He is also intrigued by the materials the Tome will be made from.
"Vatra, when the time comes, I will gladly bargain for powers with you. Until then, I would hope that both you and Arnold will agree to allow me to continue Arnold's education in Magic, since you are both stuck on this world... for now. One of the worlds I spent much time on had specialized Mages known as Elementalists. I believe that Arnold has the potential to become a very powerful Fire Elementalist and I would like to teach all the Fire Magic I know to help further that end. But for now, the meal is near ready and I know we are all looking forward to a good meal before our journey begins. Go and enjoy the meal and make your bargains amongst yourselves and let me know your decision by sunrise tomorrow."
Realmer turns to Fort. "We have things to talk about. Let's grab our food and head to the Library in the house."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He nods, going to the house. "I fast. Get your chow and I'll meet you in the library. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer heads over to the kitchen area setup near the smokehouse and gets a hearty helping of all the fares representing the fruits of their combined efforts gathering and hunting and most recently, farming and harvesting. He gives the rest of his apprentices the rest of the evening off but wants them all on the front porch of the Farm House at dawn. He brings his plate of food, and Bob, with him to the Library.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
In the library is a smallish woman with floor length hair in many different colors. Fort sits by her his head against hers.
On the table is a steel box 8"x5"x2". In forts hand is a goldish tube device. He puts the top in his nose and inhaled deeply. Leaning back the woman takes the device twists it then inhales herself. Placing the device in the table she kisses Forts head
"Your dinner guest is here dearest...."
Fort nods and clicks the device, inhaling again.
Looking to Realmer. "I'll be better in a moment. I'd offer you some of my dinner but sometimes even one dose leads to a lifetime of addiction."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer bows to the woman respectfully and smiles.
"The Spice Melange... I have contemplated trying it for it's Mind Enhancing Effects... but I have never been overly fond of addictions. During the years I was a Necromancer, I was also an Opium Fiend... it was the only thing that relieved some of the pain of what was done to my body. I hated it because I had to use it to survive the pain. I enjoyed it though..." Realmer trails off for a moment, eyes distant... then he snaps out of it and says, "I'll stick to my food, for now. So, do we still need to summon the Masoja of Knowledge?"
Realmer sits and begins eating heartily.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He nods. Pinching off a twist of spice into the table he dips a wet pinky into it as he talks.
"Paradoxian melange to be specific since melange acts different in different places. It's not common among CHAD members but us old timers use it extensively. Most of us could easily have magicked the addiction away but in the end, the balance is in favor of retaining it. "
Rubbing it on his lips, "I summoned her because of our shared addiction but it proves summoning can be done here. Yes, we summon to morrow night. I'll spend the day setting up the stage. I'll need you for an hour midday then an hour at dusk before I start. Well want all the troops to know what's happening so they don't panic. I'm sorry for interrupting you earlier. It's a matter of style in dealing with Dufiro. Less you tell them the better. One thing at a time. Don't give them a chance to interpret an offer. Accept any reasonable deal fast. You'll get the hang of it."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Of course, I've also broken one of the cardinal rules of Dufiro bargaining; never offer what you can't deliver. Now I know shadows in York I can hunt red dragons easily enough. Drow are elves so getting elven vellum is only moderately repellant. Between thee and me we have two hopefully very understanding rynahan. But, Writer of Tomes will be tricky. The precision and the literary structure isn't beyond me and I know the language of Fire Dufirosim well enough. But I've never written a Masoja tome. For that I'll first have to get to the bottom of why I am suddenly considered a Dufiro of Knowledge and 'known' as one by Dufiro I never met. Why I have a price on my head. And of course, how to channel the prowess to write the book. That will take bartering with a Masoja of Knowledge or three, maybe a Vision or Life one. Or, Great Venki forefend, a Masoja of Wisher...Fuck, it's been a hell of a long time since I had a challenge like this..kind of a rush. In my favor is the fact that to write the first draft I'll, or we'll my young padawn, will be told fiery Vatra's calling name, summoning name, and binding name, his whole life path, and, most importantly: his True Name. Since the tome itself will be built first and approved by him and at least three other Masoja, if he gets pissy I can just bind him to it till I have the rest managed... Not quite a respectable thing to do but hardly unheard of. "
He inhales a dose, adjusts it to a minimal setting, casts the clean Cantrip on the tip, and slides it over.
"That's just a tap. Same as you might get in a strong cup of melange wine. That won't be enough to blue tint an Amberite's eyes if you only take a few over a few weeks, and as I go over tomorrow night's ritual, we may need the extra attention. Savvy?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The woman stands and walks near Realmer, running her hand in Fort's hair.
"Such lovely silver hair, Amber Lord. You may call me Sallistra. I might answer. "
She expertly twist a braid in Ford's hair half her small pinky's width. Displaying it she says, " For a braid this size from above your ear, I'll make 3 bowstrings adding yours to my own hair. You may have two of them. They will resist all but the strongest blades and pull on the strongest horn bow. They will never fray. "
Fort chuckles as he leans back, his eyes the colorful blue in blue color again. " They would make hellacious garrotes and find harp strings too! ". She nods in agreement. Fort laughs and runs his gums with a finger of spice.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well met by Magic and Moonlight, Sallistra. I am Relmopator Barimen; you may call me Realmer. And I usually answer when called." He gives her a smile and a wink then continues. "I accept your offer; the hair you require is yours... under one condition; that you don't use what you keep against me in any way. Fair Bargain?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She looks at Realmer and smiles, "Let us say I will make the strands now. You may have yours now. I shan't use hair from mine in any magical attacks or concoctions nor barter it away. However, should I have to shoot you with arrows, strangle you, or play vogan dance music at you, you will have to take your chances.. fair enough?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort laughs, "that's my sally...
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smiles and laughs. "I like your style and your humor, Sallistra. Fair enough. Bargain struck. Take what you need."
He bows his head respectfully to her then turns his attention to Fort.
"First things first, Fort; the Spice... I understand the need for it and I will meter my dosing carefully. I'll try a bit after I finish eating."
Realmer eats several bites before continuing.
"Secondly, the materials we need for the Tome; I'm sure I can convince Graso to give up the needed tail hairs. And depending on the requirements of the 'Fire Dragon Hide', I might be able to help there too. During my adventuring years in the Shadow of Oerth, my companions and I managed to slay a Great Wyrm Red Dragon... I have a large supply of magically preserved dragon hide and scales I never got around to using stashed in my Island Castle in said Shadow."
Realmer eats a few more bites, finishing off most of the smoked pork on his plate.
"Thirdly, tomorrow is going to be a very busy day for me; I still need to return to the Apple Orchard and carve the Trump Sketch for the Camp on the hill over there" he nods his head slightly in the direction of the Camp overlooking the Farmstead, "before we leave. I plan to take all my Apprentices and Bob first thing in the morning. I've gotten pretty good at carving Trumps... it should only take a couple of hours at most... I'm sure I'll be back before midday."
Realmer takes a minute to clear his plate, then pulls out his freshly refilled bottle of Napoleon Brandy with the Percy stopper. He Conjures up three brandy snifters, uncorks the bottle, fills all three about 1/3 full then stoppers the bottle but leaves it on the table. He places one snifter in front of Sallistra, one in front of Fort and takes the third for himself, taking a small swig before continuing.
"After assisting you at midday, I will take the afternoon to address the troops and commanders; informing them of what will occur that night and why. I also want to lay out the details of the Skeleton Crew that will remain behind to run the Camp and oversee the Farmstead and the Drtida once the Army marches. The Resurrected Troopers will replace those of the Skeleton Crew upon their arrival at the Overlook Camp, allowing those Troopers to rejoin the Army on its march across the world. There should also be food gathering at or near each Trump Location when the Resurrected Troops return; the excess can be stored here at the Farmstead."
Realmer picks up the Spice dosing device and looks it over. Fort can tell he is not really studying the device. He stands and paces the small Library, ignoring the small device for the moment, instead looking at the books and supplies in the room.. writing supplies a Sorcerer and Trump Artist could use...
Suddenly, Realmer places the device to his left nostril, clicks and inhales. Then places it on his right nostril, clicks and inhales again. He sets the device on the table, absently Cleaning it with a Cantrip as he walks away, once again looking at the useful supplies in the room.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
There is a sudden hit of sensation.. It feels warm and tense. after the moments pass he notices things around the room. Not vastly different, but textures to books, grin in wood, air flow from some source out in the hall. It has a feel in his fingers, and running through the Cantrip fingering idly it seems as if the fingers glide along known rails to their position. Something about long experience seems slightly easier, or more accessible. Picking up a book he feels its weight, its texture and its shape somehow closer.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"OH MY..." Realmer says in a breathy tone. "This is.... superb."
He looks around the room, glancing at everything and nothing. He reaches out with all his senses and draws everything in.
"I now understand the draw of Paradoxian Melange." He exhales deeply. "And I can fathom how it can easily become addictive."
Realmer looks at Fort intently. "But, I can also fathom the benefits of such an addiction... I can already feel an easier, more graceful access to my abilities. I can also see things in more detail... without really looking. I can feel the slight air flow from the hall... I can feel the quality of this book by touch alone."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Yes, but till we are off adledross I'll control the supply. There is a lot to it that is helpful, especially in dealing with the Dufio. Im going to set this tome on the desk. I've red it dozens of times. I want you to read it carefully. The effect should last at least an hour. That will be enough to finish the book familiarize yourself with the ritual itself, and the required materials. I have the materials ready, mostly. I'm going to dose again and fine tune some. I'll say one thing for our Mason friends, they did what they could well. Chalks, oils, sugars, sands, all perfect.. So read."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer takes the Tome from the desk and begins reading; again, being careful not to utter a sound while doing so.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
After reading the Tome, Realmer looks over the Material Components that Fort has prepared.
Due to Realmer's background in Magics requiring Material Components, his forceful relearning of Low Order Magic Castings as a Witch instead of a Wizard, his training in Alchemy and Chemistry both, and his training as an Apothecary, he has 'finely crafted and tuned senses' regarding measurements and doses. And he also finds the Masons' attention to fine detail most pleasing and satisfying.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort's work in preparation is impressive. Even with heightened senses he can find no flaw in the components listed in the tome.
Fort spends time writing out questions. Bargains. prepping bullet points. Developing ritual breaks.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Fort, your preparation of the Material Components is beyond reproach. Truly. Impressive work indeed. I could not have done better myself; and I think highly of my skills in that regard."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Aren't you the charmer?"
He smiles and continues. " We'll be making a summoning circle, so we couldn't attempt to bind him if we tried. We are asking him to attend us not demanding it. The tome has his binding information but we don't have the supplies and not time to get them. It means he can leave anytime he wants or anytime the circle is broken. We'll need 6 people to hold candles. You will deploy the powders on the inner circle when I start reading. The powder acts like sugar attracts flies. Part of the sand is sugar of course. this one has a sweet tooth. We will need several gallons of brandy and we have a good source for that. It will be in the silver container the masons use. Once the creature arrives he will leave if any candle bearer speaks. If they do they will find out what the woodshed looks like around here."
He sniffs a little from the dispenser at your setting. Casually clicking it full and clean cantriping it.
" As my second you will be in the inner circle with me so you may speak but I suggest you only do so if it directs a question toward you. He will do so to distract me. His life path includes Spirits of Fire, Combat and 2 terms as a Spirit of Rust. Avasa of Conflict, Fire, Rage and Knowledge. Masoja of Knowledge. He will have a goal beyond Knowledge and will barter for powers in that direction. I am betting Warfare or Death is his goal. This is not a kindly scholarly Dufiro. Rust or Rot Spirits are serving a punishment term. Even Masoja can be sentenced to serve as Rust or Rot and its one of the rare races that allow devotional service."
Fort watches Sally twisting cord briefly.
"We have Uzgata's common name. We need his binding name. From what I have found in the library if I can get his calling name, and a summoning name, I might be able to ferret out the binding name. My goal is Uzgata' binding name. If I get that I might be able to figure out his True Name. Under no circumstances are you to leave the inner ring or suggest a bargain directly to him. Tell me. that's allowed. At not time give him anything. Time to pick a common name for Dufiro to call you. Sally, any suggestions?"
She looks up a little dizzily.."Silvermane. memorable. Descriptive. Not too specific...Icehand...Glamour...Deadhand"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Silvermane.... I really like that one. Physically descriptive, but not overly so... and gives nothing away about me. Thank you, Sallistra, for my Common Name."
He bows to her then turns back to Fort.
"Once you get that prepared leather to Arnold/Vatra you will have Uzgata's Summoning Name. Can I assist with that? I'm sure the leather has to be prepared in a special fashion. Is there a Tome present on that?" He chuckles. "Or is that something you will need to do yourself?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"No, its straight forward. The leather we make the trumps on is sufficient. Its not part of the ritual to summon him. Just some Dufiro work it into their summoning name that if their name is written on certain surfaces it burns. Sally's here won't work on paper. Well, unless its hemp paper. Jute or wood based papers melt away. I know a Masoja of Death who only allows his summoning name to be written on the skin of Avasa of Paper..a little snark joke.. "
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Sally adds, "Clean is best. Use the Cantrip on it ruthlessly.. It shows respect"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort chuckle, "It also shows that Vatra is telling us only leathers for the name, meaning the name burns other mediums.. interesting.. We will copy the name on paper and cloth and see what happens.. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smiles as he reaches inside his dragon skin leather satchel, made from the same batch as the Trumps and Maps, and pulls out a Trump-sized, pre-cut piece of dragon skin leather and heads for the hallway, saying: "I'll be back shortly... I'm sure 'they' are still enjoying the meal. Bob, come with me."
Realmer heads outside and uses his Psyche and Bob if needed, to find Arnold/Vatra... 'they' have a very unique Psychic Resonance and Realmer should be able to use it to track/locate 'them'. If not, Bob can help... and questioning Troopers if needed.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Finding them vatra writes the name down. 3000 characters in a language he doesn't know.
"Your friend offers what he can not produce. He takes a big risk you know."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I think you underestimate him. But only time will tell... in the end. I thank you for honoring your part of the bargain. I will do my best to make sure he honors his part. Enjoy the rest of the evening, I will see you at dawn on the porch. I have a special mission tomorrow morning I am taking all of my apprentices on... if the two of you decide to remain under my tutelage."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"My binding to Arnold serves me well. I learn from you. I serve Uzgata. If you can bind him I shall not weep. We will stay till Uzgata makes flutes of your bones or you make them of his."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I find it distressing that you serve Uzgata... yet encouraging that you would not be distressed at his defeat. What would it take to get you to NOT serve him?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Slay him. I understand this world treats the slain to resurrections. This is poor for Uzgata. He has bound me, voluntarily, and the men of the lodge, involuntarily. He has near 300 servants bound to him that he may summon to his need. yet, those bindings end in his death. Your companion seeks to bind him. I say slay him. Let him return as but one warrior Dufiro you have already slain once.'
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I thank you for your information; it and you have been most helpful. And since you are being so helpful, I would like to ask another question, knowing I may be overstepping my bounds. What is Uzgata's weakness? If you know it."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"He is arrogant. Not an unusual trait for those attracted to Rage. He desires to be a master of life and death. He dreams of storming the Wishers and demanding they grant their powers. He can not see that those who serve him hate him. also not unusual for those attracted to Rage. He has a few followers who are as angry as he is and they make him dangerous, but they hate him as much as the rest do. His arrogance blinds him. Flattery distracts him. he has violent ambitions. Many of those like myself would not defend him unless our agreements bound us to'
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Thank you again, Vatra. When your bond to Uzgata is broken, I hope you will consider bargaining for power with me... I am sure we can bargain well and come to a mutually beneficial agreement. I have much to do before the dawn. Rest well, Arnold. Dismissed."
Realmer makes his way back to the Library and grins from ear to ear as he hands Fort the Dragon Skin with Uzgata's Summoning Name written upon it.
"I have some great information to share... and a new plan of attack for ole Reggie-Uzgata."
Realmer then shares the information he gained from Vatra with Fort. When he is done he studies Fort's face and waits for his verbal reaction.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort thinks seriously, pouring a glass of brandy.
"Interesting...and reasonable. Dufiro build powerbases. They bind them in many ways. Bargains. Bindings. Mutual Aide. Mutual interest. realms. Race associations. admiration and worship. Cults. Secret Societies. It seems reasonable that he would think himself adored.. ragers are self-haters. Warfare races live on hate too quite often... If he has bound his followers he might delude himself that he is beloved. "
He takes the snifter of brandy and twists a dose of melange into it.
"It takes a long time to summon and bind even a spirit and he probably has hundreds. Maybe thousands. as for the Avasa... less then a thousand. He is not a great lord. He might have a dozen Masoja bound to him though most will be hoping to pick his bones... Killing him here will mean he wakes up in the east. If he starts summoning and binding it will take months to put his force back together. He'll be pissed. Probably won't get much together before he comes looking for us.. "
He sips the brandy, takes the dispenser and twists a dose into Realmer's glass. He concentrates hard enough his eyebrows furrow.
"We are a month in to a 10 month tour. We won't see him for at least 10 days. We kill him, and who ever he brings. It takes a month to summon a reasonable warband. The second time...he will have less willing followers and be forced to bind them unwillingly. two months.. travel time.. a third fight...a third round of summoning....Less willing, more unwilling, and probably a few of his Masoja won't see him as a positive leader.. We might even snake a few of them for ourselves... Sally, as a favor to me, look on Silvermane's Heartfires.. There is a question about them the Avasa of Fire left us"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Sally walks close, slips a bowstring in to Realmer's hand, holding it and looking into him.
"Oh....someone has played dangerous games with you Silvermane.. Your Heartfires are all a tizzy. Someone has tightly bound them against unification... oh...you are fey.. and Adask.. and yes and Amberite.. oh Foxmate, its so sad....had I known I'd have called him Riven Flame. His healing is beyond me. You'll need a Masoja of Fire and either Life, health or Binding. But.. You would be better served taking him to the Wishers. Great Venki fore-fend such a journey"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Something to think on, Fort, as Sallistra looks into my Heartfires... what if we summon and bind Reggie after he dies the first time? Giving him little to no time to summon and bind help. Once bound, we keep him with us until we are free of this place, then release him and end him once and for all."
Realmer takes up his brandy snifter and swirls it a bit then takes a swig, savoring the flavor.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort-"Slay him, summon him as dawn hits the West. We need to ask when the resurrections occur. You plan makes best sense. id rather kill him over and over. That would piss him off enough to seek me out after we leave Adledross. Then I could kill him for good and all."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The first sip of the doctored brandy hits him like a sledgehammer. He well knows its the finest brandy he ever had before it was doctored, and though he has come to love it its still a wine product. the doctored brandy feels like warmth. Its is its own thing removed from its grape birth. The texture of the pure liquid touches his tastebuds and he can hear it being savored in his ears. It flows rich and warm through his blood. It mixes with his food in his stomach and its as if he can taste t all again with just a hint of new richness. Its flavor is the same but somehow fuller.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer's eyes roll back into his head in near ecstasy as he savors the experiences. He opens his eyes and toasts Fort in the air and takes just a sip this time... enjoys the experience again, then speaks slowly, quietly and perhaps even a bit more carefully enunciated, all with a slight smile on his lips.
"Fort, though you would enjoy slaying Reggie over and over, demoralizing and destabilizing his power base and destroying all of Reggie's credibility... I would rather not subject the Army to needless combat and the possibility of death, short lived as it may be."
"Sallistra; I know who has done this to me and I believe I know why... at least in part. It was done long ago... probably at birth or shortly there after. I have only known about it for a short time... relatively speaking. It was my intent before coming here, and will be my first mission after leaving here, to visit the person responsible and have it... undone... fixed... healed. Then perhaps I will call you to look upon them once again."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Oh, and Fort... I have given your idea of a Secret Order of our own much thought... I was thinking that not only should all Members of the Order be skilled in the use of Magics, but perhaps also... each could have a Dufiro willingly Bound to them or something they carry. You are right that some, if not many, of Reggie's 'followers' may want to switch sides and join up with us... especially since you are famous amongst their race, apparently. I was thinking we could call it the Order of the Beholder. I know Bob already approves of the name." Realmer chuckles.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Sally starts laughing. "Oh, dearest Foxmate, beauty is in the eye of the Beholder!!! " she laughs harder as Fort gives her a stink eye....
Fort-"No offense to Bob but I'm not wild about that name. We have time. I think tomorrow night we will find out how many of the troops might have even a slight interest of bearing a bound Dufiro. It will be loud and ugly and might have to be done several times. It will fray their nerves. But... They are here to have their nerves frayed. Amber troops might face creatures from the depths of Chaos and Abyssals are far more horror-show-ish than the worst Dufiro.. Fighting whatever Reggie can throw at us several times might be good for them, along with whatever else this battle plain has n store for us. Sally, when you get home look up some of your friends in the Cult. Spirits of Guard, Defense, Paper. and find me a Rust who you think needs a second chance. Avasa of Guard, Cleanliness, maybe a young Knowledge or Vision. Not just them but don't ask them till you are sure. We will need 30 or so spirits and at least a dozen Avasa."
She cocks her head, "No Masoja? I know a few in the Cult that would be happy to serve."
Fort shakes his head, "Its that willingness I want to avoid. We can't have one bind to a soldier of Amber and then decide to make a career out of it. Let them know I shall be bargaining with them. And find out the details of the bounty on my head. You should go."
She nods, presses a bowstring in Realmer's hand, squeezing it, Moving to fort, they kiss warmly, a friend's kiss, she passes him the third bowstring and fades in a rainbow of colors.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer frowns slightly at the rejection of his idea for the name of the Order... but then shrugs it off and takes a sip of his doctored brandy.
Realmer accepts the bowstring and squeezes Sallistra's hand in return. "Sallistra, it was a pleasure meeting you and I look forward to seeing you again. Thank you for your help thus far and for the help to come. Safe Travels, by Magic and Moonlight."
When she is gone, Realmer looks over the bowstring while talking with Fort.
"I am already working on a speech, in my head, to prepare the Troops for what is to come tomorrow night, and perhaps the remainder of our time here on Adledross. I intend to deliver it tomorrow afternoon. I intend to introduce the concept of our special, if not unique, shared experiences here due to the high levels of Magic being involved with this particular class, and that the special bond of camaraderie our shared experiences will bring will be stronger than any class before because of it... thus planting the seeds of our Order... or Brotherhood... or whatever we end up calling it."
Realmer muses a moment as he takes another sip of brandy.
"Though I have made speeches before, I'm not sure how good of a 'speech maker' I am or how rousing or morale boosting my speeches have been or will be... but...." he pauses for a moment, looking like he is trying to recall something. "I don't recall saying anything overly asinine or demoralizing, thus far. And, again thus far, the Troops seem to have accepted my command and leadership style... they have taken all that has occurred in stride and like professional seasoned soldiers. And I feel confident that others here have heard stories of this place from other NP Graduates and know or suspect that something is different... and I am equally confident that the subject has been talked about around more than one campfire in our camps. Tomorrow they it will all be addressed... tomorrow they will all know and be as prepared and informed as I can make them... tomorrow we will all be tested. Tomorrow is going to be a long busy day."
After a moment of silence, Realmer suddenly asks, "So, which of those listed Dufiro do you have in mind for me? Or do you think my complicated Heartfire issue might prevent a bonding?" Realmer's left hand idly swirls around the area of his heart when he says Heartfire... his right hand idly swirling the brandy in the snifter using a Stir Cantrip instead of moving the glass... he 'watches' the manipulations of the magic as he does so.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
" I have the Masoja that was bound to me in mind. A Knowledge. Familiar with special situations. workable and skillful. He may not be able to unify your heartfire but he will know a great deal about how it was done. Are we in agreement it was Dworkin who mucked with your fires? As for your speech, I'm sure it will be fine. Leadership is what you came here to learn. So lead. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"No, it was not Dworkin... but he told me who it was. And I'm not really worried about the speech or my leadership that much... just a bit drunk and high and musing aloud is all. A Masoja of Knowledge; nice. I was considering an Avasa or Masoja of Blending after my visit to Zilla and before I came here and learned more about Dufirosim from you."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Its been a pleasure.."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer stands and moves to the corner of the room opposite the doorway to the hallway and turns to examine the room, making sure he can see it in its entirety for this vantage point. Then he pulls from his satchel the needed supplies to make a Dragonskin Trump Sketch.
"I'm going to make a Trump Sketch of this room, Fort... for you. Should take me an hour or so. After that I'm going to get some rest. I'll be up before dawn and gone shortly after sunrise to complete the Location Trump at the Apple Orchard... I'll be back well before midday. Are you going to try that experiment with Reggie's Summoning Name on paper and cloth? I'm curious myself, now."
Regardless of Fort's answer or lack of answer, Realmer will work continuously on the Trump Sketch of the Library until it works, then he will leave it on the desk for Fort and head to the bedroom he chose as his own, on the top floor, put in a wake up call with Bob for an hour before sunrise, then get some sleep.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
" no, I'm not going to do any extra investigations on the paper or cloth thing. It might alert him to our intentions. But later to be sure. "
He packs the melange away and cleans his work area. Laying out the material components he starts writing his final question list.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
On the tenth day much has changed. Many of the masons would be considered 3rd level mages and once certain basic principles were laid out and certain learned experiences involved with ritualism were taught out of them them advanced fast. They were able to teach Cantrips far better the Realmer or fort because of their proximity to first understanding things and not over explaining them
The troops are ready to march by the morning of the 9th day. artillery built. weapons dispersed. armor fitted. it was a whirlwind week..
A troop of 20 Kzin arrive and reunite with their two companions. They request permission to advance with the Amber forces.
Fort has spent a lot of time in the library and says he is ready to do the summoning on the 9th night..
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
On the 9th day, Realmer has Bob wake him before sunrise then sends him off check on the Farmstead and Overlook Camp from on high before they all leave for the Apple Orchard. Realmer quickly prepares for his busy day ahead; gathering and checking needed equipment, tools, materials and supplies, packing them carefully in his satchel. He straps on his weapons belt, the fighting knife and utility knife he has carried since the beginning on his left hip, his broadsword hanging on his right hip for a left handed draw, his new .38 wheel gun, fully loaded, holstered and strapped low on his right thigh just below the hanging broadsword. Realmer has chosen to forego armor at this time, still preferring the freedom of movement and the use of Spells for Protection. He grabs his satchel and heads downstairs to the Library. If the Spice Dispenser is still on the table from the night before, Realmer will give it a Clean Cantrip, then takes a snort up each nostril then heads to the porch to wait for his apprentices.
Once they arrive, Realmer will tell them where they are going and what he intends to do. They are to remain on guard while he works, but also try to observe what he is doing as well. Then Realmer has Bob Trump him and his 6 apprentices back to the Apple Orchard with the Spring... the place where all their plans changed due to one incident. But that is past. Upon arrival, he moves to the place he intends to carve the Location Trump for the Camp overlooking the Farmstead, the Trump he was unable to complete last time. The place of the carving is outside the actual Apple Orchard and away from the Spring, out of view of both so that arriving soldiers will not easily be spotted. The general area was predetermined by himself and Fort on their first visit there when initially passing through. As he has done before, he carves the Location Trump at the base of a tree hidden by ground foliage so it will not be easily spotted by those not knowing to look for it. He puts his apprentices on guard as he works diligently on the Location Trump; it's destination point, a small cluster of trees just outside the western edge of the Camp overlooking the Farmstead. Once completed, Realmer activates it and they all return to the Camp, with time to spare before he is needed for the midday Ritual.
Realmer meets with the Kzin and approves their request to travel with the Army and relays that he is happy to have them and makes sure they are well fed and given access to any services the Army can provide; medical attention, armor repair, weapon sharpening, etc.
Realmer gathers the Commanders present at the Overlook Camp and lays out the plan for the 'skeleton crew' that will remain behind to run the Camp and oversee the Farmstead and the Drtida once the Army moves out the following day. He relays that Resurrected Troopers will replace those of the Skeleton Crew upon their arrival at the Overlook Camp, allowing those Troopers to rejoin the Army on its march across the world. Command of the Camp will be decided by the current Camp Commander from the choice of Troopers present; he will be the last to leave as Resurrected Troopers replace the Skeleton Crew. He also tells them that when an appropriate Trump Location site is found in the future, he will return to the Overlook Camp to carve the next Location Trump for the 'jump line' across the world. Realmer also lays out the food gathering that should occur at or near each Trump Location when resurrected Troops return; excess will be stored at the Farmstead.
Returning to the Farmstead before midday, Bob and Apprentices in tow, Realmer gathers the Commanders present there and lays out the same plan regarding the Skeleton Crew he just gave to the Commanders at the Overlook Camp above. Once done, he seeks out Fort for the midday Ritual. After that, the Big Speech... but first... the Ritual. Realmer goes over everything pertaining to the Ritual in his head while heading to hilltop where Fort is most likely already busy. Again, Bob and Apprentices in tow.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The training of the Amber forces shows in their adherence to orders and eagerness to prepare. Carston has taken over in a role near to a subcommander as the other Amber commanders are now deferring to him as he defers to Realmer. Duties get taken care of.
The Kzin seem eager to work with the Amberites but upon seeing Alex they seem spellbound at first. In awe.. When asked they admit that Alexandir, whom they have never met, is famous as a hunter of Kresh, an enemy species to the Kzin. Across shadow the legend of Alexandir defeating a pride of Kresh singlehandedly, earning one of his early saint of Battle awards is well known, much like a fairy tale told children and told around campfires. to see him in the flesh is disconcerting at first. Soon after they make a point of being near him and speaking to him. Alex knows Kzin well, and speaks their language, much to their delight. Rentar suggests to Carston and Realmer that the Kzin might attach to the cavalry and specifically to the unit Alex rides with, but does not lead.  At the midday meeting he finds Fort meticulously working on the ritual space.


====<big>Adledross: Summoning Dufiro and Preparations</big>====


*The low hill north of the farm encampment had been a hotbed of activity for several days. Troops cleared the very top for a circle of 50 yards. It was arduously flattened and scrapped till the top was a smooth dirt plain. Rocks were separated from soil and piled at the edge of the cleared space.  The troopers know something big was happening.  Sub-commander Fortunadas had overseen much of the work while walking the space and moving tiny rocks to make a central circle 30 yards in diameter.  Larger stones were stacked and arranged into flat tables just outside the rock ring. The tops smoothed and leveled. Fort lets a marble roll to help level the space till he has 5 rock tables level enough that a marble won't roll.  Fort's apprentices, especially the masons, are familiar with summoning rituals. They lay out material components in preparation for the upcoming rituals.  When troopers ask whats going on sub-commanders can only shrug their shoulders.  
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer arrives at the hilltop with his 6 Apprentices and Bob with him just prior to midday and looks over the work that has been done. He remains on the outer edge of the hill, so as to not disturb anything. He instructs his apprentices to remain here and remain silent and observe unless asked to assist.
"Are you ready for me, Fort?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Yes. now, let me be clear. you are the Commander of the forces here, and I'm not arguing that. But until we depart this camp for the west this hill is my kingdom and I must have absolute dictatorial plans. I won't say please and I won't say thank you"
The masons are gathered, and Tesa stands far to the outside. She looks nervous and wary.
"Tesa, I'm sorry but it would be best if you watched the rise to the top. Oversee the forces keeping the troops from coming up and investigating. I'll look over your men."
Tesa nod in relief and heads down hill.
"As I was saying, the Dufiro will see everything done here the moment I begin reading his name. Frankly I suspect we are being watched now. You are an experienced sorcerer and necromancer so you understand the need for detail. You have not run a Dufiro ritual yet so your dealings with them have been what they call 'Unrestrained'. The one you hired to bodyguard you was not bound. He was hired. His honor bound him. His service benefited him. What we do here is summon a belligerent Masoja Dufiro of Knowledge. He will not be cooperative. Now Do you agree to obey instantly any mere whim I suggest once we being the preparation?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"You are the Master and I am the Apprentice, on this hilltop. I will do what you say without question or hesitation."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He calls the masons up, as well as the 6 Amberites in training as well.
"Gentlemen. You know something has been in preparation. Here it is. You masons were dealing with a belligerent creature you though was giving you powers and in a way it did. that it was preparing your for the slaughter is irrelevant now. It was called Uzgata, and he is of a race called the Dufirosim. These are not devils. These are not demons. These are not Angels. These are creatures of a section of shadowlands where power is directable by their life forces. They can be called upon by practitioners such as me, my apprentice, and even you soon enough, to bargain for powers and experiences. You had one trading powers with you for many generations. Do not mistake his help as for your benefit alone. He preyed on your gullibility, and that of your forefathers,, to an end you could not comprehend. In convincing you to try and summon me he failed to know where I was and what I was doing and it brought all of you here. Dead of course, but I fixed that. Now you are learning proper magic and learning proper trade-craft for dealing with the Dufiro. Each of you will stand as Apprentice as time goes on. Today though, Commander Relmopator will act as my apprentice. You are all familiar with ritual so that helps. 6 of you will hold candles on the outer rim. 6 of you will hold candles on the edge of the cleared space. Realmer and I will be inside the circle. "
Fort walks around and leads each man to his place. He puts Realmer next to one of the stone tables outside the ring.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Now, you men. If any of you drops your candle, I will be wroth. If any of you speak, I will be wroth. If any of you move unbidden by me or my apprentice, well, you may be eaten. That would be unfortunate here since you would be eaten then wake up tomorrow out East and remember being eaten. I have been eaten. You don't want that experience."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"This is how it will go. We will do a preparatory ritual now. Realmer and I will lay the powders and stones and draw the initial symbols. Then I will invoke a familiar companion spirit of mine. She will arrive to prove the outer and inner barriers are secure. She will dance for us a bit and bring a few presents but then leave. Then Realmer and I will finish the symbols for the major summoning at Dusk. We will be summoning Straxxrix, a willing ally of Uzgata. This Masoja Dufiro of Knowledge has a life path as follows. He was born: Fire Elemental. Was translated to a Change Elemental. He rose to be a Spirit of Combat, then Rust, then Paper, and lastly a Spirit of Change. He was elevated to the Avasa of Fire, then Shifter, and finally he was accepted as a Masoja Dufiro of Knowledge. This is a combative creature and he will not be happy to be summoned. But I need things of him and will have to give him things to get what I need. To not be shocked. I will give you a drink before we start tonight that will calm you but whatever you do remain calm. You have spent your lives enacting rituals, This one will be more then you ever saw before. The troops around us will be unable to avoid seeing what we do. they will be told soon. Now, rest for a few minute while Realmer and I confer"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort and Realmer step aside.
Fort asks, "Think that scared them enough?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Most of them, yes. But my four Masons have had Calming Compellings in place for days so they may hold up a bit better... perhaps even without the 'drink'. I am a little concerned about Vatra botching things up in some way... but that will have to be dealt with if and when it happens."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Remove the compellings. Its bad enough we will have Vatra in attendance. We can't have a magical structure in place that might fray, no offence meant. You can replace the Compellings tomorrow."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"That's actually a lot of Compellings for all four of them. All have Calm Focused Learning Compellings, Loyalty Compellings and Personal Memory Dulling Compellings.... but I intended to drop them all at some point anyway... guess today is the day. Should I do it now?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Well, they might hold and if you think so, fine. I trust you. They are not integral to the ritual. But if one unravels at a bad moment it could be spectacular for us and horrendously unpleasant for them. So its your call.”
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"But you know, those Freemasons have been mucking with forces beyond their ken for generations in a history of colossal arrogance and ignorance. Maybe they need to see one of their friends eaten by a pissed off Fire Avasa"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Now that I think of it, I may feed one or two of them to Straxxrix as a snack during negotiations. They will wake up tomorrow with a new lease on life"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort chuckles at Realmer's gaze.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Fort, you're being needlessly cruel, in my opinion. I don't think any need to die... they have all done it once already. Take it from a guy who has died more than once; the first is always the most traumatic and life changing. I will release them all. I planned to anyway. Best not to chance things during a touchy ritual with a pissy Dufiro."
Realmer turns and raises his voice. "My Masonic Apprentices, you are about to feel a change in yourself, do not freak out... do not move or speak. I am about to release the Compellings I put upon you and promised I would release you from one day. Today is that day."
Realmer carefully works his way to each and makes physical then Psychic contact then release the Compelling on each. Then he returns to Fort and watches their expressions.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Cruelty is in the eyes of the eaten. One man's cruelty is another's pragmatism. Ask Tesa how she feels about needless cruelty. This Dufiro is a pisser. He was a Rust Spirit so he either did something that got him sentenced to a term as a Ruster, or, what is more likely in my evaluation, is that he chose to take on Rust in pursuance of future goals as evidenced by Spirit of Change and Avasa of Shifter. His tome says he is a first time Masoja and he chose knowledge, prepared for it by taking Spirit of Rust, Paper & change, Avasa of Knowledge. he wants future councils to think him a formidable thinker-an intellectual. His tome says he bargains for knowledge of change, wars & history. That makes me think his goals are Shifter or death. Probably passing through Fire and change. Now Fire is easy. I doubt the fire Council would blink on offering him that. Offering to write a Masoja tome of fire would kill two birds with the same hand grenade; Fire dragon hide, Elven vellum, ranyhyn tail.. He might go for that. Vatra has been here and was unwillingly bound, he probably won't make Arnold say anything."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"The next thing is War. The tome says he bargains for knowledge of war but he wasn't a combat Spirit or Avasa. That means he's an armchair general. Does he want Masoja of warfare? Not likely without a lower combat pedigree. So why study war? That implies Death Masoja. Now, we summon him in the training realm of the great Benedict. He might be interested in Benedict related stories or incidents. Dufiro are collectors. Embarrassingly so sometimes. An old blade of Benedict's? Hell, and old blade of any of the Princes of Amber might be attractive. an Introduction perhaps. Those are things to be delivered after Adledross but easy enough to bargain for in good faith. Honoring bargains is important but its all in the detail. We can bargain what we don't have but making the bargain, we must get it. "
"A blade forged on the threshold to Castle amber, or on the Stairs to Tir-na Nog'th. If he is an armchair general he might like books only found in the east. Benedict's Battle Manual is reprinted across shadow but a copy printed by New Warren press in Amber, signed by Benedict? Gerard's Naval Maps. Not state secrets but they would be impressive as hell to Masoja in the realms of the Dufirosim"
"He bargains for knowledge of change....A copy of Corwin's Chronicles. Chaos is familiar territory to Dufiro but seeing Amberite shapeshifters in close enough proximity to study.... hmmmm Knowledge.. of Death, War, Change...a recommendation to admittance to Fantalin? Signed by a Lord of Amber personally to Aries Colbrese?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
As Fort and Realmer talk, Fort waxing on in thought Arnold walks up to the pair, not stepping over the circle.
"Lords, a comment, on my binding, Uzgata is fond of Fire. Most his allies started as fire Elementals. He has a legion of Fire Spirits and Avasa. His attacks will be fire based. His upper allies will have Fire in their paths. They come from realms where Fire Elementals are born in glory as I was. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer says to Fort, as Arnold approaches, "I'm sure I could promise delivery on two or three of those ideas for payment."
Realmer turns to Arnold and listens then nods to Arnold/Vatra.
"Thank you, Vatra. Your information has confirmed my suspicions and has now solidified one of my plans. Starting tomorrow, all soldiers will begin learning Fire Protection Spells while we are on the march. And the more skilled will learn Water Spells, Extinguishing Spells and Fire Control Spells as well. The most skilled will assist in teaching those Spells."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Take positions. lets do the test. Realmer, lets step over to the table."
Stepping over there are two bowls filled with powder.
"Take a pinch, like this, and sprinkle just this fast. it isn't important the line be thick but it must be unbroken. "
He demonstrates laying the line by pinches.
"I know you know how to do this but this is how to do it for this one. We start back to back and cross over till we have each pinched sand 20 times around. Don't touch this to your lips. It isn't poison, more like a sugary topping. But it can sense it on fingers and lips. We will each have a bowl and it it breaks the inner ring handfuls of it will be our first attack. Fill that silver pitcher with brandy and pot it at the 3rd over cross in the inner symbol. I have hip pig and bread fr the 5th and 7th over cross. if it comes to battle, try not to physically touch it. Its aura might be lava and who knows what protections he is set to bypass.'
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer hangs on Fort's every word and watches what he does with intent focus for every detail. He follows Fort's instructions to the letter, and does exactly as he does, without even the tiniest deviation. Realmer's attention for detail is great, Realmer's desire for this to go perfectly is high, Realmer's focus in unbreakable.
When he is done with the pinching of sand, twenty times around, he moves to the silver pitcher, fills it with brandy and puts it at the 3rd over cross in the inner symbol, as instructed.
Realmer then waits for further instruction from Fort.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort walks to a smaller of two tables. Placing a thin book upon it. He calls Realmer over. he takes the brandy bottle and fills a cup.
"Read the book first. Its not long. A Summoning book for a willing Dufiro. Read it in detail. Then encant. At each chapter heading take a drink. When you speak speak slowly, softly. This is a peaceful spirit and does not need to be commanded. She is expecting our call. I will be watching the rings for gaps and will be filling them. She will not disturb the pitcher of brandy when she arrives. The men need not their candles for her, just their attendance. Once the ritual begins wind and weather will not touch this hill for 24 hours. Begin when ready"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer moves to the table and listens to Fort's instructions carefully. He picks up the thin Tome and reads it carefully, absorbing every detail, uttering not a sound or making any gestures other than turning the pages. When he has completed the reading he will close the Tome and place it on the table, top cover up. He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, then says, "I am ready."
Silvermane opens the Tome with his left hand to the first page, the first chapter. He reaches with his right hand for the cup of brandy, takes a swallow, sets the cup back down and begins Encanting. He speaks slowly and softly, as instructed... but knowing that the Dufiro is willing and female, Silvermane's tone might sound sweet and kind... like a man speaking to a potential lover. Silvermane enunciates each syllable carefully making sure to put the emphasis and inflections in the right places for each word. Any gestures that needed to be performed or material components ritualistically used, Silvermane would do these without missing a beat.
When he reaches the next chapter, he drinks of the brandy again with his right hand, replacing the cup as before. He continues Encanting in his slow, soft, sweet tones, turning pages with his left hand, performing necessary gestures and use material components as needed, as the Summoning Ritual continues.
Silvermane repeats the meticulous process for each chapter until the Summoning is complete and successful, or until Fort instructs him otherwise.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
As he reads he sees the tome summons Sallistra. Its speaks of her floating in cool waters and warm winds. Her adoration of the textures of spices rubbed together, giving new scents. The taste of bread made with polished and mixed herbs. The taste of chocolates and pepper. It tells of he eagerness for new flavors and her purity of blending.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
When Silvermane finishes the final chapter of the Summoning Tome of Sallistra, the last syllable is uttered, the last gesture made and the last component offered or placed, he finally looks up to see if his summoning was successful and if Sallistra is within the Circle before him.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The air shimmers a light green and smells of clean water. A breeze of cinnamon spice follows. Fort walks along the ring, adding a pinch her and there.
after a few moments a towering waft of smoky green fog fills the circle, collapsing in the Sallistra in a long gown of many blended colors. She looks up at Realmer smiling, then looks aside at Fort. Looking back she steps forward before the tables.
"I am summoned, Silvermane. Do you mean to bind me or bargain?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I mean to bargain with you, Sallistra." Silvermane says, remembering to keep it simple and orderly. Not too much at once.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She extends a hand, "I am eager to bargain. First, may I have a sip of your glass? It smells of fine old wines and heat."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"You used a summoning book so you may not know my Life Path. Shall I tell you?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
When Sallistra asks for the brandy, Silvermane quickly glances to his Master, Fortunadas, and makes a Amber Hand Sign asking, "Acceptable?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort looks at Realmer, "She had to try..."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane looks back to Sallistra and smiles warmly. "Yes, please, tell my your life path."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She pouts, walks over to the bucket. "Oh this is what a smell... Why should I tell you if you would have me go thirsty?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"So you wish to bargain your Life Path for a drink of my fine brandy?" Silvermane asks, then looks to Fortunadas with a smile on his face, but a questioning look in his eye.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort, 'I said she was my friend. I didn't say she wasn't trying. "
Edited
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She walks to the edge, "Silvermane, as I have named you, I want to know you take your precautions seriously. I offer my life path so we may have grounds to bargain. I was born an elemental of Fog, child of a Masoja of Air and a Masoja of Water. I rose to be a Spirit of Cleanliness, Growth, Air, Water, and Change.
I gained Avasa of Blending. At that time I was invited to join the races of Cleanliness and Growth. I aspire to rise to be a Masoja Dufiro of Health. But I tend to get distracted. What do you bargain for and what do you offer?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort-"Don't over think it. think of style. Short Offers, short bargains.. Build a wall with small bricks"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Sally turns, "You be quiet, Foxmate or ill tell her you dally with your sister"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
she flows near the border, " It might be argued you are already in my debt. I did name you and even now it is known that an Amberite named Silvermane bargains"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort chuckles..."Don't let her fool you. She did that freely, unbound, unbidden"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane looks to his Master and smiles, "Small bricks has never been my style. Forgive me, Master."
Silvermane turns back to Sallistra.
"Sallistra, what I ask for, is the one time Power to create a Fog that will prevent the Fires of Dufiro from harming or burning anything within it. If this is within your powers, I offer you the opportunity, in the future, to Study Medicine at Vulsar Base; a pinnacle of medical science and technology. If this is possible and agreeable, we can begin working out the details."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Such a fog might be possible from a Masoja of Air or Water, or of fog, I know some exist. Perhaps even Avasa of Air or water could do such a thing. Bound to an item I might create a fog that quenched normal fires and maybe fires created by Spirits. But I am not an Avasa of Air or Water, to the disappointment of my parents I assure you!' She laughs.
"Medicine....that might serve me well, technologically..It is a bold offer, since it requires you convince forces you do not control to accept me, but I am sure you can. "
She looks to Fort, and winks.
"I sense warmth in your blood. I would offer a container of Pmel such as I brought to the Foxmate for that study"
Fort stand and crosses his arms, straight lipped staring at Sally. "Sometimes.....very trying...."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Though the benefits of Pmel are great for one like me, that amount is certainly not worth what I offer. I could find another dealer of Pmel and find a better price... once I am free of this place. But the course of Study I offer is somewhat unique and cannot be easily gotten elsewhere. Have you another counter offer?"
Silvermane looks to his Master and winks.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"A better dealer? You would seek out Nur al din el musifar himself? Such a risk... he is arbitrary, capricious, and steeped in vice!"
Fort laughs, "But he's not unfair!" they laugh together.
"My powers of blending are my strength but so can I moderate growth. I can show you how to find the Heartfire in plants to make them bloom out of season, ripen fruit that are hard and new grown. To preserve a damaged plant from death, to grow in water or survive is drought. To accept a grafting to blend new breeds"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"You say your strength is Blending... hmm. Could you create a Tattoo Ink capable of resisting a Shape Shifter's Power to naturally get rid of it? Or an Ink that 're-grows' just as fast as the Shape Shifting tries to get rid of it?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I can not, but I know where it is. It is a Shifter thing and a Color thing. I know I can acquire a supply. Once purchased it is blended with the blood of the recipient. Then it may be used by any artist, even a mortal one, but I'll offer to impose it myself. Though I know an Avasa of Color who is an extraordinary artist. I'll acquire the Ink, blend the process and either do the work myself or arrange for it to be done by my friend the Avasa of Color"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort crosses behind Realmer and takes the brandy, chugging from the bottle.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Will this Ink be of high enough quality to be used in Trump Artistry? And will any of its properties resist the Power of Trump?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I would think so but I can't be sure. I'm not a Trump artist. Its not a common skill among Dufiro who have other means. You would have to ask someone more skilled in the art; Color Dufiro would know. My friend the Avasa of Color would know. But its a high quality material,, it stands to reason it would. Foxmate?"
Fort nods, "It seems within the realm of reason that it would. But id try it a few times before trying to mix pattern magic like trump with it"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, that is my intent, and should it fail, that is on me." He says to Fort, then turns to Sallistra. "Once acquired and delivered, I will have you do the first blending of a small amount with my blood, showing me exactly how to do it so I can replicate the process for other Shape Shifters when I have the need. And since Trump Artistry will be involved, I will have to do the Tattoo work myself. Does it come in multiple colors? Does the Ink itself have Shape Shifting properties... like color change?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"So you bargain for blending powers as well as blended ink? I can deliver the ink, blend it with your blood easily enough. That result would work on you as a usable ink. I would try to arrange a color changing base medium but I don't know of it well and can not promise that.. but showing you how to blend it would be a new thing. A magical skill. Though I imagine once you see it done you could probably figure it out yourself."
She walks around the edges, tapping the field, looking antsy. " I grow weary. You summoned me on my spirit tome since it is one the Foxmate may call to hand. It is in my power to break this circle. My bargain is for Ink, base medium to be blended with your blood, I'll even blend the medium with a few others for your till you mange the art yourself. For entrance into Vulsar Medical training. That's how I stand"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Bargain struck. Agreed." Silvermane turns to his Master.
"Is it acceptable to let her out now and give her a drink?" He asks, then chuckles.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort-"No.. Letting her out will break the circle. The bargain is struck though we will speak later of style. both are bound to compete the transaction in honor. Release her. I can summon her again later through less detailed measures. "
She nods, "Yes, release me. I will deliver the ink the day I enter the training you speak of. It will take time to acquire."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Agreed. Sallistra, I release you." Silvermane says and performs what ever Ritual needed to release her. When she is gone, Realmer takes the bottle from Fort and takes a swig.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort-"Alright. The Circle is secure. The Field is covering the hilltop. I need a few hours rest. I don't have time to discuss bargaining style with you in detail. I did throw it on you and that's on me. You did manage it and that makes the effort a success. But, you didn't know her life path before hand so you had to guess. You didn't know what you were asking was in her power. so she had to guess too. You placed both of you in an awkward place. She does not know if the ink will change colors. She has to consult an Ava of Color and may have to bargain on her end too. You asked for two things-Ink that shifts with a shifter and doesn't regenerate out, and the power to blend the base medium with other shifter's bloods. That's two bargains. You don't know if Vance or Random will allow a Dufiro to attend Star Fleet Medical. There are a lot of moving parts you both are now bound to make happen come hell or high water. The fewer the moving parts the better the bargain when dealing with a summoned Dufiro. Now, when she and You and I sit around the cafeteria at Vulsara, chatting, we can explore deals with more moving pieces. that said, it was boldly done. But it was a success partly because Sally knows you, knows me, and knew ahead of time she was going to twist our chains a little. I also know she had two fine horn bows in her pouch that we won't have for a few days at least. Now, go speak to the troops. They are already probably wondering what all the color was all about. And, mind if I hold onto the bottle for an hour or so?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer chuckles, takes a swig off the bottle, then hands it back to Fort, saying, “Don't drink it all; I still haven't made the Refilling Spell permanent yet. I'd like to give all the Apprentices time to rest as well, with your permission, Master.” Realmer says the word 'master' with both sarcasm and respect. “And if you'll delay your afternoon nap for just a bit, I plan to address the Army as soon as I can get them all Assembled.”
Realmer pauses for a moment then says, “Bob, Message Relay to all Commanders: Commanders; before we begin our march tomorrow morning, I have need to address the entire Army. Have all Troopers assemble immediately; Foot Troops on the slope outside the Camp on the Hill, Cavalry on the beginning of the Plain beneath. End Message Relay. Bob; once the Troops start massing, send 6 of your Remote Link Hummingbirds to watch the perimeter of the Camp, the other 6 the Farmstead. Once the Address is over and the Troops begin returning to their posts, sent the Hummingbirds back to their respective Commanders. Thank you, Bob.”
“Fort, you are exempt from attending in person, but I will have Bob 'pipe it in' if you don't have your own way to listen in. I will be using a Spell to make my Voice Easily Heard at a Distance, but not Amplification. I'm going to head for that tiny little bump in the Plain in front of where the Cavalry will assemble and prepare my Spell. If I don't see you before this evening; rest well.”
Realmer has Bob Trump his to the top of the Tiny Bump on the Plain.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Once Realmer arrives on the Tiny Bump, he Weaves a High Order Spell; Voice Easily Heard at a Distance with the Range set to the top of the Slope by the Camp above and the same distance all around him in a circle. He holds the final Lynchpin to Activate the Spell until all Commanders give the Signal that all Troops are Assembled, then he releases the Spell.
“Soldiers of Amber! Your performance since arriving on Adledross has been exemplary. Thank you all for your hard work and cooperation in working together as a Cohesive Army. I am proud to serve with each and every one of you. And if the Adledrossians should decide to change the Commanders at any point during our time here, I would gladly and proudly serve under any man or woman here that is placed into a Command position.”
“I am sure by now all of you have noticed some of the unusual situations we have faced, and some of the unusual preparations being made, especially in the last several days... situations and preparations that a Normal Army may never have to deal with. Situations that WE may have to deal with on a daily basis as we travel across this world. And the reason why... is because WE are NOT a Normal Army. The reason WE are not a Normal Army is because WE are Users of Magic. Sure, in the past there have been the occasional Practitioner of the Arts that has attended this place, but none like US... and not in such large numbers. Before coming here, some of us were Wizards, Mages, Clerics, Druids, Sorcerers, Conjurers, Summoners of Dufiro, Bearers of Sigils of Power and even those with God-like Abilities... and now, as of today, each and every one of US is a User of Magics in some way. And by the end of OUR journey here on Adledross, I expect that each of You will leave with Significant Abilities as a Low Order Mage or Wizard, some with the abilities of a High Order Sorcerer or Conjurer, and a few with Access to even Greater Powers. WE are a truly Unique Army to this place so WE will be facing truly unique situations because of it. Situations like the Event that will take place on that hilltop over there, tonight.”
Realmer pauses as he turns and points to the flattened hilltop in question. Then he lowers his arm and turns back around and continues.
“The horrors you will experience tonight will fray your nerves and push your mental and emotional endurance to the breaking point. But you will endure and survive this because you are strong and well trained. And the horrors you experience tonight, and perhaps many more times before leaving Adledross, will be like a country faire compared to what some of you may face once you leave this place, depending on the Army you will eventually serve. The creatures of Chaos and the Abyss are far beyond what you will experience here on Adledross; they are truly nightmarish... but your time here, facing these horrors will better prepare you for what is out there. When ALL of you leave Adledross, each of you will be better prepared to face those Nightmarish Creatures than Any. Other. Army. That. Has. Graduated. This. Place. Before. US!”
“A little over a week ago, some us came down here to investigate a single building, but instead found this Farmstead, a few buildings at a time... buildings that were not there the day before according to our Scouts.” Short pause. “The Farmstead is here because a group of 12 poorly trained Ritualists in another Shadow were tampering with Powers beyond their understanding. They were dealing with an Unwillingly Bound Dufiro of Rage and War. It had been trading powers with them for many generations. They mistook Its help as for their benefit alone. It preyed on their gullibility, and that of their forefathers, to an end they could not comprehend. It convinced them to try to Summon my Sub-Commander, Fortunadas; It failed to know where Fort was and what he was doing and the Summoing brought all of them here. The 12 men died in the process of this Farmstead being transported through Shadow, here to Adledross. Fortunadas used his Clerical Powers to bring them back to life so that we may discover what happened. And we did. Now those 12 Ritualist are learning proper magic and learning proper tradecraft for dealing with the Dufiro.”
“During the investigation of the Farmstead, that Unwillingly Bound Dufiro was released... some of you may have witnessed Its flight from the house. We call It Reggie the Rager and It is set on destroying US. We managed to get 20 days to prepare for Its return... and It will be bringing Its own army with It when It comes. Tomorrow is day 10 and tomorrow morning WE march. But tonight, Fort, myself and our combined Apprentices will be Summoning a different type of Dufiro to help us in our war against Reggie the Rager. I am sure most of you are Unfamiliar with the term Dufiro or Dufiroism, but I am sure most of you have heard of Elementals. Dufiroism are a Spirit Race that begin their lives as Elementals and grow more powerful over time until they become a Spirit, then they can eventually advance to Avasa, and then finally attain the status of Masoja; growing considerably in Power with each advancement. These creatures are NOT Demons; the creatures from Chaos. Nor are they Demons OR Angels from Below or Above. Nor Devils or Gods. They are creatures of a section of Shadowlands where power is directable by their life forces. Dufiro can be called upon, in order to bargain for powers and experiences, by Practitioners such as myself, my Sub-Commander Fort, and perhaps even some you, before our time here on Adledross is done.”
“Today, some of you witnessed a Summoning at midday, performed by myself and Sub-Commander Fortunadas, assisted by our Apprentices. That Summoning was with a Willing and Peaceful Dufiro that came to help us prepare for tonight. Tonight however, we will be Summoning an Adversarial Creature that will NOT want to help us willingly, it is a Masoja Dufiro of Knowledge. We may also need to summon others as well, so that we may know more about our enemy; Reggie the Rager, and so that we may defeat him. We have already learned that Reggie's Life Path began as a Fire Elemental, as did most, if not all, of his 'followers'. We also learned that most of their attacks will be fire-based. But understand... this is NOT Normal Fire; this is Elemental Fire, which is way worse. Knowing this, we are already working on strategies, defenses, protections and attacks based on this Intel. The first is that all Magical Training, beginning today, will be based on Protection for Fire, Extinguishing Fires, Controlling Fires, Water-Based Spells and Cold-Based Spells. Much of this training will occur On The March, after tonight's Event.”
“The Hilltop over there has Powerful Magics protecting it, designed to keep the Dufiro from escaping and harming those outside the Magic Circles. A ring of Guards has been stationed around the base of That Hill. That ENTIRE Hill is OFF LIMITS to EVERYONE!!! On That Hill, Fortunadas has complete Command, even over me. If HE has not personally Ordered you to be on That Hill... it is Off Limits. NO matter what you see or hear on That Hill, NOBODY is to approach or interfere for ANY REASON. ONLY Fortunadas himself can contradict that Order. Unless you are on Guard Duty at the time of tonight's Event, I highly recommend that you get a good view of That Hill and watch what happens up there. It will be an Education and will help prepare all of you for what is to come. After tonight's Event we will know more and be better able to Strategize; more information and orders will follow. I have great confidence that each of you will handle tonight's Event, as well as the rest of Our time here on Adledross, like Hardened Soldiers and Wizened Wizards; professionally. Calm, Logical, Tactical and Strategically Knowledgeable. Make me Proud, Soldiers of Amber. Dismissed.”
*'''Michael James Watson'''
As the troops disperse and discuss the speech and the news they learned one among them wends his way up to where Realmer stands, a close as he may.
That he is 6' taller then most everyone else make him easy to spot.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Commander, "He says in a voice that drips with such command that Realmer starts a little in surprise.
"I would have a word with you. Now.. and I should speak to Fort as well..."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer does the best he can to resist the urge to 'jump' due the the 'commanding voice'; he hesitates only long enough to show his strength.
"Of course, Alexandir. I was expecting some questions and dialogues would follow that speech. I have time now. Would you like Fort to be present now as well? Or have you need to speak with me first?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He inhales deeply, and when he speaks Realmer realizes what the commanding voice was. It was the Bene Gesserit Voice of command. From his reading of the general histories it seems to fit the effect the witches of the Bene gesserit seemed to have.
"Yes, bring Fort, Now"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Again, Realmer does his best to resist, but still complies as he wants to, not because he is being told to.
"Bob, Trump me and Alexandir to Fort's location, unless he is on the Hilltop, then Trump us to the base of the Hill outside the ring of Guards."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bob moves you both to the edge of the ring. Fort is resting against a rock, he looks up and sighs in resignation.
"Ya....ya...ya.....I knew you would complain but it was necessary."
Alex scowls,"I have known you to do many foolish things, Fortunadas, but this reeks of base folly of the worst kind. You toy with a Masoja of rage and War and don't include me? If it is a War Masoja do you think he would not recognize me?"
"Great Venki, preserve me.." Standing..
"Do you know how silly that sounds coming from any of us?" Alex barks.
"I summon a Avasa of Knowledge tonight, possible a Masoja. Not a Combat specialist. Let me get through tonight and tomorrow on the march you can whine at me oh great King of Tosian, most worshipful Saint of Battle and mightiest among the rock touchers..." His last part comes in what is clearly a mocking voice.
Alex..."rock touchers, high priest? I shall stand Tyler. If you speak truth then we may speak anon. If not, by the World Stone, I swear I shall take on my aspect and raise my attribute and Benedict be damned if he doesn't like it. "
Fort, "If you use your Aspect and Attribute on this battle world I shall sing the song of your failure of restraint in the high temple at Wall. Now, Please Alex, let me rest. "
He turns to Realmer, "Realmer, think me not a brute, but I've seen these creatures twist the most well meaning of wizards.. I would not have them twist....." he waves his hand at Fort, "my friend.."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks deep into Alexandir's eyes, seeing what appears to be concern for a friend, Alex, looking back will see the same look in Realmer's eyes. Realmer then turns back to Fort.
"I've got this, Fort. Get some rest; we have a big night ahead of us."
Realmer turns and walks away from the Hill. As he does, he says, "Alexandir, walk with me."
He does not say it in a commanding tone, but his body language (him still walking away) and his Presence, makes it clear it was an Order. Once they are a bit away from Fort, Realmer speaks.
"Alex; though my knowledge is still growing, I know enough to know just how dangerous and devious the Dufiro are. Even the Peaceful ones are bordering on difficult to deal with. I would not see them twist Fort to their Will either... I've grown fond of the Old Wind Bag."
He looks back over his shoulder at Fort, knowing he should be out of normal earshot by now.
"But the reason why this is all happening is partly because Fort Summoned Dufiro to help himself, Tesa and the Drtida because I did not want to risk a war with the Treba Cursis. And it is partly my fault for letting that Masoja of Rage and War out of his cage, as it were... knowing full well that Fort should have faced It alone as his punishment for breaking the rules of Adledross for using Powers uncommon to the Majority." He looks to Alex conspiratorially. "I received a little inside information after Fort broke the rules. But even knowing I could have stepped aside and let Fort take his punishment, and it might have ended right there and then... I just couldn't do it. It didn't feel right. Even before I knew the real reason why Fort came here, I still would have acted the same. You don't abandon your..... friends. So now..." heavy sigh, "we are all in this together. And if things go awry, tonight or at any point in things... Alex, I will certainly call on you first to bail our asses out of the trouble we got ourselves into. Rest assured. I'm looking out for him like he is looking out for me... and oddly, for an Amberite of the Royal Family... I trust that."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Alex sits, making him easier to speak to.
"Its been thousands of years since I served under anyone. I fought under King Arin of Freestate. One could say I fought under Tolknor but he would say we fought beside each other rather the any of us leading each other though. ...He is like Dworkin..founded a realm...so if I follow anyone it's him. He is my liege in some ways but not in Tosa...feudal fealty you know...now...He tells me that in the scheme of things that Random rules a realm that is over us. That Amberites are of a higher reality..perhaps...but Your king seems a popinjay. Of the many in Amber I have met..only Benedict seems above me and I'd cross blades to be certain of it.. I would bet on Zatonic against Gerard. Tolknor tells me to prove myself to Amber, so I came here. Fort, he has always been the diplomat..but I've stood to battle beside him in hard war. As much as he may disapprove of me sometimes, I trust him. When we leave this foolish world and its foolish rules, I just may trust one of the House of Barimen. If I do, it will be the first one. "
Raising, "if you stand second, you should rest too. I'll stand Tyler."
Edited
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I do stand Second, and I will rest soon, thank you Alex. But there is one last thing I need to attend to first; I need to have an enclosed wagon built or modified... I need it be along the lines of a Conestoga... sometimes called a Gypsy Wagon. Nothing fancy, just enclosed, sturdy, and with one closeable door that a normal sized man can easily fit through. If we can't spare the horses, I can devise other means of movement for it. I know we've been building artillery so I'm sure someone can figure it out and make it... hopefully by dawn. Think you can help with that, Alex?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He nods. "A vardo wagon? We have wagons for artillery. Cloth top?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, a Vardo Wagon. Not cloth topped. Wooden all around. Door on the back... maybe a trapdoor window on the front by the driver's bench. But both must be able to be closed and latched, at the least. The interior can remain bare."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Should be easy enough. I'll pass the order to the artillery commander so it does not appear I am issuing orders or taking a leadershi[pp role. He has the wagons for the atilery. Maybe he can order some of the troop to carry the siege equipemnt on their backs....mind if I ask who you plan to lock in this wheeled prison?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Why, it's for you Alex." Realmer pauses for just a moment then speaks in a playfully sarcastic tone. "I've grown weary of your constant insubordination so I've decided to strip you of your powers, shrink you down to man size, and lock you in that pillory box until we escape this world."
Realmer gives Alex a sideways look with a playful smile on his face.
"I'm only jesting, of course. Actually, it's going to be a wheeled Laboratory. I have a high order spell my own creation that will effectively create a large extra dimensional space and fill it with the contents of one of my private Laboratories off in Shadow. If one were to open the wagon door without saying the passphrase, they would only find the inside of an empty wagon."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Wendy's Wagon...I've seen such things before. Jeremey makes them for trade. At least he did in the years before he found the World Stone. "
He smiles, stands and starts to walk toward the Artillery camp.
"And Realmer, should you ever wish to try your magic on me, here or elsewhere, you are welcome to try. I shall stand to receive your full might and glory. Together we shall see its result. But when your arsenal is complete consider your words carefully. I may laugh comradely or I may engage. I have stood the hazard such on the sand of Gesheka and won a Lords Seat without a raised blade."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smiles broadly and chuckles.
"Alex; I would never try to use my Powers on you for I know they would most likely not work at all or have so little effect as to be useless. I would never challenge you, Alexandir; on this World or any other... I have no doubt about your prowess and no disillusions about mine. To be perfectly honest... I was just checking to see if you had a sense of humor."
Realmer gives Alex a wink and a smile.
"And thank you for relaying my Orders to the Artillerists; gives me more time to rest before tonight's Big Event. Speaking of which... when it all begins, I would like you close at hand, just in case something goes awry. Station yourself near the foot of the Hill. If I feel Fort has wandered too far into the woods or the Dufiro has gained control of the situation, I will call you in."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He stops walking down hill, and turns. the angle making him close to eye level with Realmer.
"I have a sense of humor. It is in a box in the Temple of Alexandir in Wall. Similar boxes hold my modesty, my insecurity, the true story of my birth, and my true name. Such a system allows me to show them to others at a time of my choosing... When it comes to humor, I leave such things to Conf, Venki, Mitcholt,or Fort. They have better skill at it. But since you ask...two centaurs walk into a bar...They should have ducked"
He continues walking down the hill. "I shall stand Tyler where I must. I know where to stand and I know when to break the circle.. Depend on it."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer nods his head, thinking how useful it must be to puts one 'emotions' in a box elsewhere. Then he laughs loudly and openly at Alex's joke... Realmer knows a Centaur Bard back on Oerth that would love that joke.
Then Realmer nods to Alex in respect and walks back towards the Farmhouse and his bed... taking the time to sort some thoughts and rehearse in his head tonight's Ritual. When he arrives at the Farmhouse he will bed down for a couple of hours of rest and have Bob wake him two hours before he is needed on the Hilltop.


====<big>Adledross: Summoning Dufiro Again and Answers</big>====


*'''Michael James Watson'''
As dusk comes on Fortunadas leads the parade of Realmer and the masons up the hill and leads them to their spots. Each lights their candle at Fort's direction with a Cantrip. Arnold is the closest to Realmer.  
Fort steps up to the table and lays the tome on it. Realmer takes his space at the second table. Fort whispers, "Vatra will probably be addressed at some point. Take care what it says to Jatakil. This is an Avasa of Knowledge and Reggie has been working with him a very long time. While this is his binding book, I didn't quite want to say anything till now, inside this circle. Giving the Dakota wonderboys a binding tome for a Dufiro seems a particularly stupid thing for Reggie to do. Unless....Jatakil is no longer a Avasa. If he is a Masoja the summoning would be enough to attract his attention and probably enough to make him show up when summoned. They would think they had summoned him into a sacred circle and might try binding him. Now the binding spell here works, and my prowess makes me think I could bind him using it but the wonderboys could not. Try binding a Dufiro against their will with an inferior tome is a good way to get turned into scrambled dodo eggs. Reggie also gave them a tome to summon me. I may be over the threshold of Dufiro Life but I think if I was truly that far over I would know. I've read my book a hundred times and if I didn't know better I think its a fake. Enough to attract my attention and pique my curiosity enough to show up. I don't know what Reggie;'s game is but its messy and there are parts I don't understand."  
"I've 4 points to bargain with Jatakil for.  
"First, Reggie's Life Path includes a term as a spirit of Rot. His binding name will reflect that and the reason for it will tell me much. His first Avasa was rage, after a punishment term as Rot. He has bitter enemies. I am willing to bet the Rage Council is the only one that was willing to accept him. Some Spirits of Rot never rise out of the Spirit ranks and become sort of like messengers and lackeys eternally.  What councils denied him will be something Jatakil might admit in conversation.  
"Second, Why North Dakota? These ritualists were part of a long line of masonic ritual and somewhere along the line someone bound Reggie to that rock. I doubt the wonderboys or their grandfathers had the juice to do that. Someone was angry enough at Reggie to bind him to a desolate crap hole like a masonic lodge in the Badlands.   
"Third, Who serves willingly, who serves bound? Vatra was bound, but found it profitable. Here is where Vatra might talk.. I have placed Arnold in a place outside the ritual locations. His presence or absence won't change the ritual. Use your judgment. If Vatra is pissing Jatakil off, kill him or teleport him or something as soon as you think he is. He will wake up tomorrow and meet us along the road. He'll be pissed but the ritual will be over."  
"Fourth, what is Uzgata's summoning name and binding name. By then he might be willing to trade those away. If not, well, we will have learned a great deal on way or another.  
"Now, if you want to tell me something, ask me something, or speak directly to him without him speaking directly to you, signal me. Three raps on the stone table. And then, what you suggest to me or to Jatakilmust be small steps. Give up nothing for free. Don't volunteer your name, history, lineage They don't need them. They will recognize you by your Heartfire. giving the your name, history, and lineage just gives them things to trade once you have summoned enough to cross over the Dufiro Life line yourself. so.... Any questions?"  

*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane whispers back, "No, Master; I don't have any questions. I understand my roles and responsibilities here tonight and will execute them with precision and without hesitation. If I must make a judgment call, it will be swift, decisive and final. If I must speak, I will be succinct, take things one small step at a time, and give nothing away. You can depend on me, Master. I'm watching your back."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Good. Tomorrow ill be sub-commandeer again. Tonight I am Fortunadas Enright, Arch Mage. ah... Alex.. standing Tyler.. if Zatonic were here too we might have quite a bargaining position. The Dufiro love them."
He steps up and opens the tome. He sets two cups out and directs you to fill them with brandy. "If he drinks, we drink"
He looks to each of the masons who look terribly nervous. after a lifetime of masonic rituals and secret rituals and even rituals speaking to Uzgata and his cadre, they realize now this is far beyond what they ever anticipated. They were used yo fogs and whispers in the dark.. This is High Church.
Fort inhales deeply. When he speaks the voice is clear and loud and forceful. It is exacting. He speaks first in the language of fire Elementals then moves Fire language of Spirits, just a refined elemental language. He speak the summoning name strongly calling him as a Fire Elemental then a Spirit of Fire and a Avasa of Fire. He calls on him as an Avasa of Knowledge. The Tome lists his goals as a Masoja of Knowledge though it does not summon him as one.
The sky crackles with energy.
The clouds fro the region gather and spin wildly, lighting rocking around in the clouds far from ground. The display reaches high in the sky and the troopers below can hardly avoid seeing it. The colors swirl wildly
around the clouds sweeps an arc of lightning that seems stable, flying around the loud formations in reds, oranges and yellow.
Fort leans over. "See the red lighting? That's a Fire Arc. It is a thousands of fire Elementals bound with numerous fire spirits willingly and a Avasa of Fire commanding it willingly. Its a lighting bolts of liquid metal. It a weapon for a Masoja. Whatever his book says he I at least a Masoja. And if he has one, Uzgata will have one. Now we wait. He will give us a show of power then take form. He will drink, then speak."
The noise is deafening. The lightning stretching out but seems to funnel down into the circle. As it swirls it become smoke rather then clouds and settles into a owl like creature of fire. Landing, It looks at the candle holders, anger on its visage. It sees Alex and pauses.. Turning slowly it looks at Realmer, then slowly faces Fort.
Dipping its flaming beak in the brandy, is sips and pulls its wings in, flaming against its chest. Sitting, 12' tall.
"Summoner.. You have the Saint of Battle outside the circle. I think you do not fear me enough to bargain with me. Shall we see? "


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane nods his head to Fortunadas when he notices Alex standing Tyler. When he is directed to fill the cups, Silvermane does so. When the Summoning begins, Silvermane does his parts with precision and timing, as is called for.
When Fort leans over and begins speaking to Silvermane, he listens intently and nods his head slightly in understanding and acknowledgment.
When the Avasa Dufiro manifests, Silvermane watches with great interest, but does not move a muscle, flinch or wince, nor utter a sound.
When the Fiery Owl drinks, Silvermane waits for his Master to drink first, then he the Apprentice drinks last.
Silvermane watches and waits. He keeps the Dufiro and the Circle as his main focus, but also keeps an eye on the Apprentices... especially Arnold/Vatra.
When Rituals are not being performed, Silvermane keeps his left hand casually resting on his left hip near his Fighting Knife. His right hand is held in front of his midsection and slightly away from his body, ready to perform Somatics for Ritual or Spell as the situation may require.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I call you Jatakil. It is not your summoning name, nor your calling name. I see in this tome you are a Avasa of Knowledge. I shall call you Jatakil and you may call me Fortunadas."
It flutters its wings.."You use an old book summoner. it offends me and I would rend thee. I have rusted, you scare me not with your playing. You have a Shifter of some kind acting as the Saint of Battle. Such theater is unworthy. "
It bends and drinks again. "At least the ancient tome you use lists my drink. This is a fine beverage. what is it? Origin, not type."
Fort looks to Realmer, "tell him"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane looks to the Fiery Owl and speaks in the same Tongue and as close to the same Dialect as possible. His tone is respectful and purely informative; showing little to no emotion.
"It it called Napoleon Brandy. It is named after a town in the country of France in a Shadow called Earth. It must be made from at least 90 percent Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, or Colombard grapes and it is twice distilled. This particular vintage dates back to the time of Napoleon Bonaparte and is said to be from his private stock."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jak looks over Realmer, "Is this my snack, Summoner?"
Fort chuckles.."No, I summoned you to bargain for knowledge. If you are uninterested, you may depart. I have your lover Uzgata's book ready next."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane raises an eyebrow and says, "I am stringy and of little nourishment. I am sure you would find my flavor distasteful."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"You think to enrage me? Summoner, It takes more then that. Very well. Knowledge.. ask."
Fort turns over a paper. "Uzgata's life path includes a term as a spirit of Rot. Yours includes two terms as spirits of Rust, one as a demotional term. I'd like to know why Uzgata incurred enough hatred to be punished so."
The owl rises in fire and powerful psychic energies slam against Fort. Fort Raises his hand toward the fiery display. Realmer feels his body grow cold as his psyche is tapped. He feels the power of the Dufiro attempting to bind Fort to the summoning table. Fort's response pushes Jak back and his fires flicker and cool, showing a owl with feathers. It shakes as the power ceases. Realmer felt the might of Fort's psyche and realizes Fort's is greater then his own but not by a much. And its somehow feels differently directed, of a different resonance. In thinking about it he thinks he saw some type of High Order imprint of a type he has never seen before. Something less then the amber imprint but still High Order and unbroken.
"I see you are not a shade or an actor, but truly Fortunadas of Knowledge. this is not the place I expected to make my binding of you. Yet I see the minor wizards in candle-bearing stances... I sense the circle were forged nearby but I am not summoned in it. What has befallen Uzgata?"
Fort takes a drink, and motions Realmer to as well. Seeing the cups rise Jak leans and drinks as well.
"You assault me, attempt to Bind me, and expect me to answer YOUR questions? I feel you are a Masoja.. Of Knowledge, but something else. My guess is you are also a Masoja of Binding. That makes sense. The pillars round the summoning circle below the masonic lodge house.. They were meant to bind me. if we are to bargain further---answer my question."
Jak flutters his wing, feeling flickers of fire.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Very well. He served Rot because he broke a Combat Pact and turned on his master in the battle of the Fall of Worlds. He turned against Hspalak of Life and Warfare. After that.. he was summoned repeatedly and bound to poor service. Once freed he sued the spirits of Guard, Defense, and Growth and was denied. He pleaded the Avasa of Guard, Speed, and even Fire and his petition was blocked each time by Hspalak. Only Rage would accept him. "
Fort nods, "And after that a Term of Conflict made him acceptable to Fire. Hmm....I almost feel his anger. Why did he turn on Hspalak? "
"Am I forgiven for my attempt to bind?"
"Almost..Why?"
"Hspalak followed Nur Al Din. Uzgata wanted the power of All Worlds to go to Borax and sided with him, breaking the bond in battle. "
Fort looks over at Alex. Alex raises both eyebrows in understanding.
"You know I am friends with Nur Al Din."
"Since I believe you are Fortunadas of Knowledge and that is truly the Great Alexandir, then I know you are friends with the Dufrieanalat. I do not wish to be your foe now that I have tasted your resolve"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane is impressed with Fort's Psychic Prowess, but even more impressed that he holds a powerful, non-broken Imprint of unfamiliar Origin... with a strength approaching that of the Pattern of Amber. He guesses a Shade Imprint... much like his own original Imprint of the Shade Pattern of Ambir.
When Fort drinks from his cup, Silvermane, drinks from his own as well. He listens to the information provided by Jak with great interest. He still keeps watch over Arnold out of the corner of his eye.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Your attack gave me the answer I needed for my first question and I suspect I know the answer to my second but I will bargain for it anyway. Why was Uzgata bound to a masonic Temple in North Dakota?
Jak"That you might guess, so I will make a simple bargain. Your Heartfire is of a Dufiro of Knowledge but it burns with a High Order Imprint I have never seen. I can guess too but would hear it."
"Done. My imprint is the Sigil of York, forged by Tolknor, my father, while the shade of Amber in our realms still stood. It is a Primal Pattern of a second Order."
"Uzgata was bound there by Rascalas of Binding on the order of Hspalak of Life and Warfare. He believed he might have no hope of return to the realms of the Dufirosim. But Uzgata is mighty and clever. he could trade only tricks of fire and small battle wisdoms. to those mehums it was enough to gain generations of devotion. In time they contacted us that were bound to him. Myself, and several others. We together drew Avasa, young ones and bound them as Vatra slavering over there is. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane looks at his Master out of the corner of his eye and raises an eyebrow slightly at the pronouncement of his Imprint. Realmer had heard of the Sigil of York in passing once, but assumed it a Lesser Sigil or perhaps a Shade Pattern... but not a Primal Pattern of the Second Order.
At the mention of Vatra, Silvermane looks over at Arnold. He has a feeling one of the Dufiro is about the taunt the other and that he might have to get involved... left hand still casually resting near his Fighting Knife.
Silvermane shakes his head sadly and says under his breath, "They so craved Real Power they were willing to take the tiniest scraps of It, thinking it a full meal, not realizing they were being used and led to their own deaths."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jak turn and looks to Realmer, 'Yes indeed they did, Amberite. Worshipful Master Hector over there saw himself as a wizard of great power because he had been gifted with a fire avasa that wore him like a codpiece. the fire avasa would produce a few fire spells, a few fire strikes, and speak in fire tongue through his mouth. All of those fine upstanding gentlemen wore avasa of fire at some point, many for decades. They walked their homeland thinking themselves mighty. When they lay with their wives, mistresses, and in a few cases their daughters, they performed like mighty gods of lust filled with the fires of the Dufirosim.. Yet they bleed power into Uzgata every day, giving him a drop more blood to stretch his arms out for vengeance. There stands Vatra of Fire now. See him quivering in fear that I may demand his life force for some trifle just to see him squirm. "
Vatra-"We served as bound. Free me if you like Ruster. My Arnold never indulged in mistresses or daughters and what he gave to Uzgata was a sip compared to what I gained from him. If you mock those you bound you will be known by your quality when I rise to Masoja. We bound ones know your aspirations. Death or Warfare.. You are too weak for either. seek the Council of Wisher to see if they will change the reputation you earned! "
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort snorts and reaches for the brandy. Jak starts to retort, sees fort drink and quickly turns to drink, as if given permission.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane grabs his cup with his right hand at nearly the same time as Fort and drinks when his Master does. He turns his attention to Arnold/Vatra, looking at him, studying him, but says nothing.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jak raises his head from the bucket and the wings flame up fully, but he tucks them behind him, looking at Vatra about to speak.
Fort says, "There does seem to be some question of who is bound and who serves. You served two terms a rust. I assume Uzgata bound you. My next bargain is for Uzgata's allies and who serves and who is bound?"
"You ask much Summoner. Will you force treachery from me? Do you think your power....."
Fort takes a sip of the brandy, Jak stops mid sentence, growls, and drinks.
"I don't need to force you, Jatakil. I've put a first knot on your binding already. For a time I can make you dance. You can feel it. I'm tempted to bind you to this table and see what use the Adledross can make of you for the next thousand years. or we can bargain and I may release you. What Masoja does he have in unbound service?"
Jat licks his beak. "Dufirosim are close to Chaos, proximity being a curse. Someone stole a shadow of the pattern from the Abyss and he stole a great queen of the abyss as well. He was aided by his Son and by a traitor to Chaos. He is known by the name he earned in the Abyss and in the Black Zone. But the Chaos lords dare not speak his name in fear of invoking his cult to greater heights. What is his name, and which queen did he steal? What I his son's name and who is Chaos's traitor? Where did they take the Abyssal pattern of Amber? A name for a name, Dufiro of Knowledge."
Fort looks to Realmer.."You may answer him. Though you might be a little thirsty first"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane drinks from his cup when his Master drinks from his, already seeing the pattern emerging, he keeps his right hand at the ready to grab his cup and drink when his Master does.
As Jak begins asking about the Stolen Pattern, Silvermane wonders how much about it his Master knows and is about to knock three times upon the table, until Fort hands the answering of the questions to him.
Silvermane picks up his cup and drinks, placing it back on his table then speaks to Jak,
"A name for a name, Jatakil. Vance is the one who stole the Pattern from the Abyss. Now, the Masoja in unbound service to Uzgata."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jatakil smiles, "Vance, son of Delwin....excellent.. Gretril of War, an Ally and a very enthusiastic one. -Masoja of War. His path is Fire Elemental, Spirits of Combat, Speed, & Fire. Avasa of Conflict & Fire. Masoja of Warfare. He has a bloody apatite and likes fighting. He dreams of ruling the council of combat'
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane takes another sip of brandy then says. "Agrom, son of Vance. Another name from you, Jatakil."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Agrom? yes... His cult hall attracts a strange collection of peoples. alright.... Ill give you the double ended arrow in Uzgata's quiver. Straxxrix, a Masoja of Knowledge and a very powerful and powerfully unhappy one. Not bound but stuck to Uzgata because of their time as Rotters. He was Fire Elemental, Change Elemental, Spirit of Combat, Rot, Paper, & Change, Avasa of Fire, Shifter, and Knowledge. Masoja of Knowledge. he has aspirations. "
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort-"That's a powerful life path. He sounds ancient. "
Jat-"He is.. If he is accepted by the Shifters he may not make a mess of things. But the Death Council covets him.. When this Uzgata mess is over it will be interesting to see where he jumps"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
The moment Jak stops speaking to Fort, Silvermane again grabs his cup and takes a sip, then puts it back on the table in front of him before speaking again to Jak.
"Vek'Osho helped them. Another name; an important one, as I know the name I just gave was."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
“How should I know what names you know? Vek..the hendrake Bonewarrior.. thought so. He was freed from fealty in Hendrake.. makes him dangerous. If you see him, tell him a price is on his head from the council of death. very well. an important name.. alright. Unkanat She is an ally to be sure. She started as a Fire elemental. then Spirit of Combat & Rot. Avasa of Conflict, Rage, and Fire. Finally Masoja of Combat. She aspires to Warfare & Death.. Beware her. She is Uzgata's Child. Made of himself alone." 
*'''Michael James Watson'''
he raises his hand to Realmer, looks to Fort-
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Summoner... I serve Uzgata because his way has been rife with folly and power follows folly. Many of his followers revel in folly. he has thousands of fire Elementals and hundreds of Earth Elementals. He has several thousand spirits of fire.. he has a hundred earth Spirits, 2 Illusion Spirit and one rot spirit. Half a thousand fire Avasa and near that Combat Avasa. Near a dozen Masoja. Most serve to gather crumbs of power from his war. most are not....patriots..but the lower, the most willing to serve.. Trade me no more names... Bind me or free me."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort looks at Realmer, tapping the 4th card.."What do you think? Have we enough to work from or shall we ask one more?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane replies, "One more."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort puts the card down.."Uzgata's summoning name, and binding name..."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jatakil howls, spinning into the sky bringing his colorful cloud work with him
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Alex walks up beside Arnold, blades drawn. Fort makes a hand sign for Wait
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jatakil coalesces.. "I can give you his summoning name as an Avasa of Rage. that is the best I can do. and it will be a treason he won't forgive. but what I want...I doubt you will grant. that book of mine. it is my Avasa tome. But it is mine... Bind me to it... Keep me till you leave this battle world. then...Place me in the Library of Amber. What better place for a Dufiro of knowledge. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane looks to his Master and is about to shake his head 'no', but stops and taps the table three times.
He communicates via Hand Sign, but still tries to partially hide them from Jak.
-Only the King could authorize that. Or maybe... the Unofficial Librarian; he knows about Dufiro and has at least one bound to him or something he carries. We have a mutual respect, but are not friends. Advise.-
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort looks uncertain.Hearing a snapping of fingers, Alex signs.. "Tir no'gath has a library."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer signs to Alex -Thanks- Then signs to Fort -I'm mostly confident I can make that happen without too much fuss-
Silvermane turns to Jatakil and speaks.
"The Library of Amber is above my pay-grade. I counter offer with the Library in Tir-na Nog'th. How long do you wish to remain there?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"The main library at Fantalin, in The dufirosm section till a space in the Amber Library can be secured. And I'll cooperate on this battlefield till Fantalin."
Fort signs" I didn't know they had a Dufiro section but I'm new to access at the Amber level...possible? "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer signs to Fort -Yes, it does have that section and I know the Dean well. He wants me to teach there one day soon. I am confident I can make that part happen. Amber will take time and favors, I'm certain. Do you close the deal, Master, or do I?”
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"You know the dean. Close the deal."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane turns to Jatakil and speaks.  "Jatakil, I know the Dean at Fantalin and can make that happen. Bargain struck. You may call me Silvermane. Deal sealed."  He picks up his cup and drinks.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort starts to speak. Vatra says loudly, "Summoner, will you bind him using his Avasa name?"
Fort snaps his head at Vatra in surprise. Smiles widely and turns back to Jatakil who looks suddenly crestfallen. "Your Masoja binding name, please.".
Jatakil looks at Vatra, "I will not forget. Zagasa------------------etcetcetc."
Fort summons his full psyche and pulls Realmer's as well. Realmer feels and sees as fort ties the binding note around the tome, dragging the fiery owl into the tome.
Just before it finishes...Fort says"so you know, Jatakil of Knowledge, I've found your true name. ". And Fort speaks it to seal the binding. If a book could howl it would.
Fort picks up the book and casually runs his foot over the circle breaking the ring and ending the ritual.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks to Vatra, "And I will not forget either, Vatra. Thank you."
Realmer turns to Fort. "So, Fort... do we have enough to defeat Uzgata? And do we need to do any further Summoning this night? And who holds onto that Tome?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort tucks the tome in his satchel. " we have enough to be well prepared. And I have this cooperative tome to delve..later.... Now....Alex, I'm going to fulfill your dreams...take me to bed....before I passout. ". As soon as he says it realmer feels a wave of exhaustion roll over him....his psyche is used totally and He suddenly feels his strength and endurance failing too. Woozy and feeling faint he starts to fall. He feels him self picked up like a babe and cradled in the titans right arm as he goes slack...He sees fort picked up similarly.
Fort mumbles..."Vatra....kick over the bucket. No one else may drink it. "
He holds his head up till the bucket spills...Realmer 's last sight is Fort resting his head on Alex's massive arm as he heads down hill


====<big>Adledross: Preparing to March, a Vardo Wagon and Hip Pigs Again</big>====


*'''Michael James Watson'''
Realmer wakes up and has a moment of confusion. He is waking up n a bed in a room decorated like North Dakota with chicken statues and pictures of mountains and other americana stuff. He has a quilt on him in many colors showing considerable country charm.   
Looking over he sees Arnold reading a book, coffee in his hand. He looks up, walks to the door, "Sir? He's waking up!!!!"  
"Commander, would you like some coffee? Sub-Commander Fort will be here in a moment.. We've been very worried"  
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"What the....!?" Realmer begins, reaching for his fighting knife out of reflex. "Where the....?" Then he stops as the confusion subsides and he recalls where he is.
"Yes. Coffee. Strong, black. And then some food... fruits... and some eggs if possible. How long have I been out, Arnold?"
Realmer throws off the covers and sits up, but waits to stand.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He feels rocky, wrung out.. He's naked but in clean breech clothes.
Arnold pours coffee from the carafe and hands the cup to him.
"You've been out 7 days. Master Fort was out for 4. He said to wake him as soon as you awoke"
Fort walks in, head shaven. He is wearing blue jeans and a t shirt that Realmer figures must have been in the house.
"Welcome back! Had us worried. I've had an interesting few days. We have a bit of a discipline problem to take care of but otherwise the troops will be glad to hear you are awake.. Now.. rest. Lets get some food into you. I need to look you over. Arnold, go downstairs. Hamsteak, a dozen eggs scrambled. a couple pounds of hashbrowns., some of those cinnamon rolls, Split the mess onto two plates. More coffee. ".
*'''Michael James Watson'''
After Arnold leaves he takes your coffee, refills it, then takes out his PMEL dispenser and puts a short twist in it. Hands the coffee back.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer takes the cup back, inhales the aroma, savoring it. Then he takes a swallow, letting the PMel do its thing. He takes a second swallow, savoring it, then asks:
"Seven days? And we're still at the Farmstead? We should have marched a week ago. And what exactly is the discipline problem?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort chuckles... "Well, Bonaparte may have been one of history's finest generals but I doubt in his conquest of Europe he ever had a titan grab him by the back of the head and punch him in the face. He was out for a day. Then a dozen or so Adledross lords showed up and wanted to see Bonaparte, you, and I but Carston stepped in between them and Alex and handled the situation. They are none too pleased with Alex but gave Carston a nice commander' baton. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Carston; he's good man. I feel more comfortable knowing he is around. A Commander's Baton... very nice. I guess now that I'm conscious we will be meeting with some Officials. So, why did Alex punch Bonaparte in the face?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Why? Well, he's a Wargod. emperor of a universe. A Saint of Battle. And Bonaparte told him to get out of his way, called him a fucking troll and suggested he have improper relations with farm animals, in French of course, and sadly for him, Alex speaks French. Carston had told him not to let anyone disturb us under any circumstances. So Alex claims he was merely following orders. I told him that excuse didn't work out well for Eichmann. Still, the troops were pleased"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort has been running his vision through a small glowing sigil of the unfamiliar pattern, looking Realmer over
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"So, the Pattern of York, huh? Impressive. What do you see? Am I going to recover, doctor?" He says the last with a bit of sarcastic humor.
Realmer continues to drink his PMel coffee until the food arrives.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Yes. You'll be fine. I've spoken to a man name Erzakai. An Adledross wizard type from someplace. He explained that the cosmological particulars here make summoning and other great magic creation extraordinarily more difficult. They don't want people depending on summoning aide or making familiar power magical weapons but instead depending on weapons and things found here. He claims the arrival of our Dakotans was as much a surprise to them as it was to us. More maybe. Our thought that they rarely have wizard like thee and me was very accurate.. most people just march across the world picking up pikes, blades, and armor, and forming up as best they can.. The Adledross, they tell me, call this continent the Proving Ground. their people around the world watch what happens here enthusiastically, like sports programs. Some function brings people like Boney, Percy, and Erzakai here and gives them immortality as long as they remain here.. this realm must be closer to Chaos."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He enlarges his York sigil and tweaks a couple spells while talking. "Yes, the York sigil. Its a primal realm in a Shade of Amber, created using a shadow of the Jewel of Judgment by Tolknor. And it has certain powers unlike Amber's though in general its less powerful..Still, it has some juice when needed"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer nods silently as he looks over the Sigil, and once enlarged, he looks over Fort's Spells... thinking it's time he maintained his Spells as well... and Hung a few more to replace those Cast... and replace a few with Spells more useful to the current situation.... but more coffee and food would be needed first.
"I'm sure while you were checking me over you noticed I bear more than just the Imprint of Amber's Pattern. Though they are less powerful Imprints, to be sure, they do have their advantages."
Realmer finishes his coffee and gets up slowly and carefully. Once he is steady on his feet, he will walk to the table and pour another cup of coffee from the carafe.
"So, we were better prepared to handle the sudden arrival of the Farmstead, and all that came with it, than the Adledross... interesting." Realmer looks momentarily proud, then he drinks some of his freshly poured coffee. "Well, by the time we leave Adledross, they should be much better prepared for High and Low Order Users of Magic in the future."
"So, we only have three days before Reggie the Rager returns with his army. I see two simple options; we stay here and fortify or we move with haste for two days to keep this a safe place to fallback to. What do you think, Fort? Maybe we should get some more Commanders in on this Strategy Meeting."
Realmer stops and smiles with a huffed chuckle. "I haven't even gotten my breakfast and barely started my second cup of coffee and I'm already in 'command mode'." He chuckles again and takes a drink of coffee. "So what are we waiting for? Ah, yes; breakfast."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Yes, though I've known what sigils you bear for a long while now. I noted two which I assume are Adagalasck & Paragon. I know where a couple Paragon shard are. One in York the other Plymouth. I'm not attuned to either but Tolknor is probably. "
He sips his coffee, and takes a nose blast.
"The binding is what screwed us. I was told dealing with outside forces is a power of 10 as hard here. Curious. It works that way for the whole world. Its a curiosity for another time. As for Reggie... I had hoped to bind him. I was out for 4 days and those were vital in my finding his name. After I woke up and had my conference with the Adledrossian wizard I made a few command decisions. they will work for either call. I sent Alex and the cavalry with the Kzin and about 500 troops to do a forced ride. I told him to ride as hard as possible west for 36 hours without killing the horses. then find a likely place and fortify it for the whole Army's arrival. I told him I'd get in touch when you woke up. That was a day and half ago. It can't hurt to have a forward base if we stay here. or we can move to the forward base and make a stand there. I suspect Reggie will come at us at either place. Defending this place makes sense, but having the battle here might mess it up. So... Lets get breakfast and see who's a round."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks for his clothing and equipment; if they are present he dresses and gears up, then heads to the porch with his coffee cup in hand. If his clothing and equipment are not present, he just heads to the porch with his coffee cup and inquires about his belongings.
"The Adagalasck Imprint is called the Spiral of the Four Winds and I acquired it from the North Stair in Blomsia. The origin of my Imprint of Paragon I'd like to keep to myself for now... I have my reasons."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I understand. State secrets and all. Though I should say Jeremy knows the details and if he does Tolknor does. Tolknor hasn't come to Amber yet but Jeremy certainly has. He and I, and a few of our mages received extensive training and instruction from King Finndo at King random's direction. Education in cosmological detail, existing power constructs, recent history and a number of other things. Jeremy doesn't bear a York imprint, but he has a Plymouth one since it does not require a bloodline. He has other things.. He has been to the pattern in tirna nogath. he bears a broken pattern imprint. I am supposed to be allowed to take a broken pattern imprint at some point. he told me once he could do what Aries colbresie did"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Reaching the kitchen there are a number of people there. Food is being readied for numerous staff in the house.
Carston is looking over maps in the living room, pointing at positions with a stick.


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Nice baton, Commander Carston. Who did you have to kill to get it?" Realmer asks in a joking manner.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Carston looks up, smiles an uncommon smile, "More like who did I have to stop from killing. Some battles are fought without blades. Its good to see you up. The troops should be informed soon if I know how rumor flies. We have maps of the region 10 days around us.."
He point with the baton, "Here I where Alex is setting up the forward camp"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I heard about your actions while Fort and I were out of commission; excellent work, Carston. You once asked why two Amber Royals recommended you to attend this place; I think earning that baton should help explain it a bit."  Realmer looks to the map and the area indicated by Carston. He looks at the terrain between there and the Farmstead and defenesibility of the Forward Camp site.
"I would prefer we get the bulk of our forces to the Forward Camp location as soon as possible in order to preserve this Farmstead and it many resources."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Carston nods, "That's what we thought as well. The troops will be ready to march in three hours from when the order is given. Fort and I have been having them get ready to march since he woke up. "
As food is brought out Carston grabs a hamsteak.  "As for this?" waving the baton, "I think it amused them when I told Alexandir to sit down or I would jump up and hit him in the balls with a chair. I may not be welcome back in Tosa..Just as well.. I doubt I'll ever go back"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer laughs and says, "You really said that to Alex? Outstanding Commander, absolutely outstanding. And between King Julian and myself, I'm sure we can keep you employed for as long as you wish to remain so. After that, I'm sure you will be able to afford to retire to any world you wished... perhaps one customized just for you, even."
Realmer takes the plate of food offered and begins eating like he hasn't eaten in a week... because he hasn't. (hehe)
"Three hours to prep for march, good.... only two days to get there and prepare, not so good, for me anyway. I wish I had had the Gypsy Wagon built sooner... I could have had Drishti working for a week while I was sleeping it off. Speaking of which; I want to reassign Tesa back to Commander the Scouts and Drishti as my Head Alchemist and once the Wagon is prepped she will be working inside for the trip to the Forward Camp."
"Do we know what our Forward Team has accomplished so far?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort "Alex was supposed to fortify a likely spot. I Imagine he will. 500 troops and a few Kzin. If he didn't met opposition I'm sure he found something. Oh, two other things. That wizard told me that the Reen had been told if they continued to depend on us as they were they would be 'Invalidated'. I'm not sure and he would not elaborate, but I think everything we learn here, our memories and experiences, might be keyed to completion of the course. Secondly, Bob has been very uncooperative the last couple days. If you had not woken up I'd have had to take active measures. We need him to get info from Alex"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer nods his head. "Somehow I knew our Alliance with the Reen was a bit too good to be true and would not last... I just wasn't sure why or how. Now I know. Well, as least if our paths cross again we know we might be able to work together on common goals or missions."
Realmer sighs then and says, "Beholder's can be difficult to work with even when they are Conjured from your own blood. Let's see if we can rectify this problem."
Realmer reaches out with his Psyche and Summons Bob to him; he does not say anything, just lets Bob know that his Master requires his presence immediately.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
When Realmer exits the building there starts cheers from the busy troopers. More see and stop what they are doing to applaud. Bob hovers up off a lounge chair and nips around like an excited chihuahua
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smiles and waves to the cheering soldiers and says 'thank you' to any close enough to hear. Then he focuses on Bob.
"Yes, Bob, I am happy to see you too. And also glad that I am not dead." Realmer says in a friendly tone to his excited Familiar.
But then his tone changes. "Now what is this that I hear that the Communications Master is not communicating? Bob... What in all the swirling Abyss were you thinking? Just because I was out of it does not release you from your duties to this Army. Understood?! Your ONLY release from your duties to this Army is if we BOTH die... because if just YOU die, you know I will bring you back in some fashion... even if it has to be Undead. If I die or am out of it and you still live on, you still serve the Army until you leave this world. You will obey Fortunadas or Carston or whomever is in Command if Fort is also dead or out of it. Understood?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bob flutters.. "I'm.....not sure whats wrong... But when your were down.. out.. I couldn't focus.. I couldn't think straight.. I couldn't...feel ...you. I could barely move. When they spoke to me...I couldn't understand"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks at Bob and is suddenly concerned and it shows in his tone.
"Hmmmm... perhaps our Bond is different than that of a Standard Familiar and Wizard... stronger perhaps. I was not functional and neither were you. Hmmmm.... this needs more investigation and a talk with Grandfather, who helped me create you. But obviously that is for another time. How are you feeling now, Bob? Ready to get back to work?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ive been feeling better for the last couple days but only cleared my mind a little while ago."
Fort-"About an hour ago?"  Bob nods.  Fort looks to Realmer-"Its connected to your psychic powers.. Your sense of magic. I sucked every last drop of mine and drew yours out without thinking. I might have drew on it enough that I sucked it out of him too. Magic Margin exhaustion is common in Low Order magic. In these circumstances it might do the same here."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Interesting. And good to know, Fort. Well Bob, glad you're starting to feel better as well. Now we need you to get back to being the Communications Master and re-establish contact with all the Commanders via your Remote Links... especially Alexandir. But since you were down and out too... I'd bet your Remote Sensors went down too. If you feel strong enough, try to re-establish those Links. If they are gone, create new links, mini-versions of you, Trump them to each Commander, including Alex, then put me in contact with Alex. If you need to borrow Energy to do so, borrow from me. And maybe Fort might lend some of his too, if you ask him real nice."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"you want min bobs for all the commanders? Even Carston? He's standing right next to you. HAHAHAHAH"
Its laugh mimics nearly exactly Fort's laugh.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, but Carston will not always be next to me. Start with Alexandir, Bob. We'll work out the others later."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
(That's was Bob saying it, not Fort)
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
(edited above comment. my bad. oops)
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Righto, Boss' He flies off.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
After a few moments Bob returns with Alex.  "He insisted" Bob says in Fort's voice.  Alex essentially salutes. "Commander, Sub Commander. Good to see you both well. I've established a forward base 44 hours ride from here. There is a very solid castle It was in the final stages of being conquered by a force of what I can only call barbarians. Kilts, fur cloaks, bad chainmail. Rusty greatswords and no discipline. about 4000 of them. There were nearly 2000 dead when we arrived. The castle was being held by a force of Reskaans, human & dwarves. About 200. They had lost nearly a thousand they claim. I assaulted the barbarians and slew them to a man. I repeatedly ordered them to surrender instructed my men to offer quarter, they refused. Once the Reskaans realized who we were they cheered us and opened the gate. It is not large enough for 5000 troops to encamp long term. but it is a fine place to fight out of. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Excellent work, Alex. If the dead bodies have not already been burned or otherwise destroyed, I'd like to have them buried in very shallow graves and in strategic formations around that castle. I might need them if things get really bad. Also, do what you can to repair any damages and reinforce the structure. Are there any resources near there? Are there any terrain blind spots that might hide approaching forces? Not that I think this coming battle will involve much stealth. Are there any hazards along the way the Army should avoid?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I left orders to stack by type. rusty great swords in one pile, bodies in clothes in the other. bodies in the pyre. the swords aren't worth much but you magic types an clean the stuff up. Still, the castle is thing. It has sufficient wells for water. as for hazards, there were a few, yes. But nothing we couldn't handle. Nothing substantial. I'd suggest you both trump out as establish headquarters and let the other commanders march the troops. If it comes to fighting legions of dufiro id rather not have an army for collateral damage. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, if the bodies are already burned" Realmer says to Alex, "then so be it... there will be enough corpses once the battle begins, should the need arise for reinforcements."
Realmer looks thoughtful for a few moments as he Cleans some remnants of breakfast from his teeth with a few Cantrips.
"I really like your idea of Fort and I Trumping ahead to the Castle, Alex; smart thinking. I'll need an hour at most before I'll be ready to leave.... I have a couple of things I want to accomplish first."
Realmer turns to Carston. "Well then, Carston; you have the Commander's Baton, looks like the Army is yours. Get things rolling as soon as possible."
Realmer turns back to Alex. "Unless there is something else, I'll have Bob take you back to the Castle."
Realmer turns to Bob. "Bob, make sure to leave a mini-bob remote link (the size of a golf ball) for Alex before returning. Upon your return, I want you to deliver a mini-bob to all Cohort Commanders, including Ranatal of the Cavalry, Trudeaux of the Artillery and Tesa who I am re-instating as Scout Commander."
Realmer finally turns to Fort. "I'm guessing since you have been awake for a few days longer than I, that you are already prepared to leave. Care to help me out?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort-"Yes, the army needs a couple hours but its been essentially ready to march since before the ritual. I can see the word to form up spreading and I suspect the horns will start in a few moments. Carston, an hour?"
Carston nods, "Yes sir. An hour. We've been eating out of rations for days. I get the troops moving. Excuse me Commanders." He turns and walks away, issuing orders with the baton.
Fort-"I hear he once tossed a Drow elf down a crevice into shark filled waters. That's hilarious. I've never liked Drow. One of my students wrote a song about it. Anyway. I'll get my gear and be ready in an hour."
Alex adds, "I'm going to go talk to the artillery troops. They have a few machines id like to take to the castle. Ah..Tandin of Rabsen, and a dozen of the other Rabsens, men from the ninth amber legion, are good artillery guys. Id like to transfer them to my....ah... the Castle commander, to start fortifying the castle.. With your permission."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Actually, Alex, I was heading to see about my Vardo Wagon, Drishti, my Alchemist and the Artillery, so let's walk together. I promise not to slow you down."
Realmer grins and breaks into a jog to keep up with Alex's normal walking pace.
"I'm sure Commander Trudeaux won't mind the transfer of men and machines out ahead of the main body of the Army. But we may have to make a few Trump Trips to get all of us, my Wagon and some Artillery Machines to the Castle... Bob's good, but not quite powerful enough to do it all in one trip. Of course, I could Trump to the Castle, create a Trump Sketch of it, then return here to get the Machines and Wagon."
Realmer casually jogs on next to Alex as he strides towards the site of the Artillery machines and wagons.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Alex hurumphs..
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer chuckles and says, "What scintillating dialog, Alex. I can see why you attract the ladies. Very well, tell Commander Trudeaux you have my permission and select the Artillerists and Machines you require. I will seek out my Wagon and my Alchemist on my own."
Realmer slows his pace and says, "Bob, Trump me to the Wagons, then go find Drishti and Trump her to my location. Thanks, Bob."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Alex- "as you command. its not that long walk. I'll be at the house in an hour."
Arriving at the wagon you see it is well built though clearly converted from an original purpose. It is sitting next to dozens of wagons all packed with artillery frames and spars.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks over the wagon, front to back. He checks for the small window/door up front for the driver then moves around and opens the door on the back and looks inside. Then he will check his Spells while he waits for Bob to bring Drishti.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bob arrives with Drishti
"Commander. Good to see you up and about. I understand we are on the road soon."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Thank you, Drishti. And yes, the Army will be on the march in about an hour. But you will be accompanying me, Fort and our Apprentices to the Forward Camp, a small castle, via Trump Transport so we can establish things there. I have re-assigned Tesa to command the Scouts. You will be assigned to this wagon, which is about to become a Rolling Laboratory. I heard you are skilled in Alchemy so that is why you were re-assigned. I will need you to prepare many things for our upcoming battle with the Dufiro. Most of them will be fire-based and earth-based... anything we can mix up to combat them may help tip the battle in our favor when we need it most. I was just about to lay the spells upon this wagon. Do you have any magical or spell casting abilities, other than the magic you have learned here in the last couple of weeks?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I've attended the Royal College of Diaga with special studies in chemistry and alchemy in preparation for medical examinations. Then I had a family situation and I was asked to join the Diagan military. Served for 5 years, then transferred to protective services and worked in the embassies for 10 years. Then The Court of Diega requested my I join the Amber military for a 5 year term.. that's how I ended up at Rasak. Afterwards I intend to return home to join the royal guard. They will probably let me attend the university then and finish my medical studies"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Impressive. Excellent skill sets. If you know of anyone else in the Army with Alchemical Skill Sets, feel free to recommend them. And once we graduate this place, if you would like, I could make a recommendation on your behalf at the University at Fantalin with Dean Colbrese, should you wish to take any course there."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She make a head motion that implies interest. "First we need to finish here"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Right you are. So, I am going to lay some spells on this wagon to create a Traveling Laboratory... several, actually. This will take several minutes."
(3 comments to follow; one per spell so we can discuss each if needed.)
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
“First, a spell to protect the wagon.”
Realmer says, then he brings up the Sigil of the Pattern and accesses his Spell Framework. He selects Defensive Material, but makes a modification to it to include additional Resistances to Elemental Fires, then he casts it upon the Vardo Wagon.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
“Next; the laboratory and supplies.”  Realmer will bring up the Sigil of the Spiral of the Four Winds and access the Spell Framework there. He selects R's Loaded Laboratory III; this is Realmer's specialized High Order version of the Mordenkainen's Magnificent Mansion Spell, except the interior is customized for magical and laboratory work. When the spell is cast, it first creates an Extradimensional Space linked to the door on the back of the wagon but does not occupy the space within the wagon. Secondly, it fills many rooms within by summoning the contents of one of Realmer's fully stocked laboratories in Shadow; in this case, one of his labs in his personal Shadow of Adagaar. The Unseen Servants within have also been Enhanced with Bigby's Dexterous Digits in order to assist in delicate procedures. The main room will be suitable for meetings with a large table and many chairs. The entrance 'foyer' will look just like the inside of the wagon, except there will be a full sized door on the other end that opens into the Main Meeting Room, all other rooms are accessed from the Main Room. The interior will not be affected by anything from outside. The door has a Pass Phrase that allows one to access the Extradimensional Space. The small window door on the front of the wagon opens into the Main Room and allows the driver to communicate with those within.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
“And finally, some Privacy for those within.”  Then Realmer brings up the Sigil of Paragon and accesses the Privacy Spell on the Framework there and casts it upon the wagon, making it completely secure from 'Being Spied Upon' in every possible manner; this includes the Extradimensional Space tied to the wagon. No eavesdropping from outside, no scrying by magical means, no Trump contact either.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Th spells creating the vast interiors work. The spells against spying work. But the spell summoning tables, chairs and equipment do not. Adledross doesn't allow magical summoning of gear because if they dd every army that had someone able to summon gear would be equipped with their home gear. Everyone has to forage for gear, food etc. horses and such like the ranyhyn are special cases, not really equipment.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
OK, a bit of clarification on the R's Loaded Laboratory III spell, as I worded it a bit awkwardly.
R's Spell is based on the AD&D spell Mordenkainen's Magnificent Mansion (text of that spell will follow in the next reply), which is an Alteration/ Conjuration Spell, not a Summoning Spell... and Realmer being a High Order Conjurer would have made his High Order version of that spell the same, but with some added improvements and customizations. Thus, the majority of the Spell would be Conjuration and not Summoning.
So, being that the Mansion in the original spell Conjured everything, i.e., extradimensional space, furnishings, unseen servants, and even food, then I would argue that the High Order version would do the same, even on Adledross, as the contents of the Lab/Mansion are NOT being Summoned from afar, but created from the Magic of the Shadow where the Conjuring Spell was cast/released.
Now... being that Realmer has a LOT of specific ingredients and components and chemicals, etc., he ADDED a Summoning aspect to his High Order version of the Spell to bring his specific 'ingredients' for one of his specific labs in Shadow to fill the created lab space, as opposed to Conjuring them up. So I can understand why that part failed.
So, with that said, I still agree that the Spell Components and Chemicals and such would NOT be present as they were Summoned... BUT I would argue that the Furnishings; tables, chairs, benches and perhaps the Accouterments, bottles, beakers, flasks, should be present as they were Conjured.
But of course, you are the GM and your word is law and I will accept it regardless.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Mordenkainen's Magnificent Mansion
(Alteration, Conjuration)
Level: 7
Components: V, S, M
Range: 10 yd.
AoE: 300 sq. ft./level
Save: None
Casting Time : 7 rds.
Duration: 1 hr./level
By means of this spell, the wizard conjures up an extradimensional dwelling, entrance to which can be gained only at a single point of space on the plane from which the spell was cast. From the entry point, those creatures observing the area see only a faint shimmering in the air, in an area 4 feet wide and 8 feet high. The caster of the spell controls entry to the mansion, and the portal is shut and made invisible behind him when he enters. He may open it again from his own side at will. Once observers have passed beyond the entrance, they behold a magnificent foyer and numerous chambers beyond. The place is furnished and contains sufficient foodstuffs to serve a nine-course banquet to as many dozens of people as the spellcaster has levels of experience. There is a staff of near-transparent servants, liveried and obedient, to wait upon all who enter. The atmosphere is clean, fresh, and warm. Since the place can be entered only through its special portal, outside conditions do not affect the mansion, nor do conditions inside it pass to the plane beyond. Rest and relaxation within the place is normal, but the food is not. It seems excellent and quite filling as long as one is within the place. Once outside, however, its effects disappear immediately, and if those resting have not eaten real food within a reasonable time span, ravenous hunger strikes. Failure to eat normal food immediately results in the onset of fatigue or starvation penalties as decided by the DM. The material components of this spell are a miniature portal carved from ivory, a small piece of polished marble, and a tiny silver spoon. These are utterly destroyed when the spell is cast. (It is worth mentioning that this spell has been used in conjunction with a normal portal, as well as with illusion magic. There is evidence that the design and interior of the space created can be altered to suit the caster's wishes.)
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Part of the problem above is the term Conjure as used in the D&D spell and the term Conjuration in ADRPG are used differently. The material components are marble, and silver which are destroy in using the spell. Those cause the interior objects to be created. A high order spell that creates these things could create things other then tables, chairs, and test tubes. Say weapons and armors. Thing done inside wouldn't work outside unless material was brought inside original, as exampled by eating food inside. creating such an environment would be an extremely complex and powerful major spell.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
id have to think it over but it on of those thing from dnd, spells with a lot of moving parts, that so delight rules lawyers and one of the things that made me lose interest in overly complicated game systems. and that's after GMing Rolemaster for a decade.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
OK. Good to go. Differences between Low Order and High Order noted. And the Special Rules for Adledross also taken into account. So... large space(s) 'within' the wagon, but empty rooms needed to be filled with 'real' items from 'this' world. Still workable for me (and Realmer), just more planning and time consuming for us both. LOL
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
BTW, you did not mention if the protective spell, Improved Defensive Material worked. I am assuming it did, in the respect that the Spell did not Fail... but I am sure the effectiveness of the protection is yet to be seen. LOL RPing post coming soon-ish.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
fair enough.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
For simplicity sake, the Special Interior of the Wagon will be plain and look like gray stone blocks. The Main Room is a big square with 3 heavy doors on one wall and 3 identical on the opposite wall; these are the 6 Labs, each a smaller square room of stone. There is a single door on one wall (the entrance/exit) and a small window/door on the opposite wall (leads to the Driver's Bench; for spoken messages or small objects to be passed through in either direction.)
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
After releasing his final spell upon the Wagon, Realmer moves to the front and climbs up on the driver's bench. He sits as though he is driving, reaches back and knocks on the little window/door 5 times with middle knuckles of his first two fingers only, then slides the knuckles across the door before grasping the pull and opening it to the Special Interior. He holds it open and makes a 'hoot' noise inside and is satisfied with the echo. He then closes the little door and makes his way to the back of the Wagon.
Next, Realmer opens the door and motions for Drishti to enter the bare interior of the Wagon, then he follows and closes the door behind them. Then he creates the Pass Phrase to access the Special Interior, 'Death is no escape from Service.' then says it to Drishti, telling her to always enter the Wagon first, close the door behind her, then touch the door and say the Pass Phrase within the protection of the Privacy Spell, then enter the Special Interior. He tells her it can also be done from outside the Wagon, but the Pass Phrase might be overheard, so if it must be done that way, to barely whisper the words. Realmer then speaks the Pass Phrase while touching the door, opens the door and enters the Special Interior, taking Drishti with, closing the door behind.
As Realmer walks the vast spaces within, there is a look of surprised confusion on his face; eyebrows knitted, head tilted to one side, mouth hanging open... occasionally mouthing partial words but uttering not a sound. After walking all the rooms thrice, Realmer finally speaks.
"Well, by the Tattooed Tarrasque of the Trench, we're going to have to do this the hard way." He turns to Drishti. "My spell did not work as excepted; the desired contents are missing... by Adledrossian Design, I am certain. We need to get this Wagon to the Farmstead and fill these rooms with what we need and can use from the buildings there... especially the house."
He touches the door leading out, speaks the Pass Phrase and opens the door and exits, which puts them inside the wagon, as that is where they came in from. Realmer points out that if they had entered from the exterior they would have exited from the exterior.
Realmer begins looking about for a Driver and horse or team of horses, for the wagon. Though he is sure Graso is strong enough to pull the wagon, Realmer feels that Graso would consider it demeaning or beneath him.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Graso sees you looking for a draft horse and rides off in a huff.
a few minutes later he returns with two of the cavalry horses and two angry riders who can't get their horses to obey them. Graso neighs at them insistently and nips at the riders before riding off.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer begins laughing uncontrollably as Graso rides off. He looks to the mounted Soldiers and shrugs then says:
"I guess he didn't want to be a draft beast. What are you going to do?" Realmer shrugs again and chuckles.
Realmer lays his hand on each horse in a calm and reassuring way, then lays this Psyche into each and releases them from Graso's commands and restores control back to the riders.
"Soldiers, I apologize. I will find other draft beasts and not take yours as my Ranyhyn suggested."
Realmer mutters to himself, but loud enough that Drishti can hear him. "It may take longer to find a pair of unused horses than it would to Conjure them."
Realmer then takes a couple of minutes to Conjure Shadow Shape two normal draft horses.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Before the Conjuration is complete, Realmer suddenly stops Incanting and Gesturing, allowing the Magical Weave to unravel. He lets out a snort chuckle, shakes his head slowly and lets his hands drop to his sides, then turns to look at Drishti.
"You're not really seeing me at my best, here, Drishti." He chuckles and continues, suddenly sounding like a Teacher giving a class.
"So, what have we learned here today? First," he holds up one finger on his left hand, "Summoning things from other Worlds, with very few exceptions, does not work here on Adledross... most likely because those who Adjudicate this World do not want Attendees bringing all the comforts of home here; this is supposed to be a Test, after all, and we were told that we can Forage for all we need."
Realmer is slowly pacing back and forth in front of the Wagon and Drishti. "Second, "he holds up two fingers on his left hand, "Conjuring something that can be found here on Adledross does not work either... for the same reasons; they want us to use what is already here."
"Third," he holds up three fingers on his left hand and chuckles a bit, "Ranyhyn do NOT like to serve as draft animals and will conscript the nearest horse, or horses, to do the job. I guess Graso wants me to use what's already here, as well."
Realmer chuckles again, but then suddenly pauses in his pacing, momentarily, his head tilting to one side, a thoughtful look upon his face, followed my a small grin. Then he continues pacing and speaking.
"Fourth," he does not bother to hold up fingers this time, "Your Commander definitely should have had more coffee this morning before starting his day. Wouldn't you agree?" Realmer looks directly at Drishti with a serious look and arches an eyebrow... then smiles and winks and says, "Yeah, definitely more coffee. Change of plans." He holds up a hand in the wait a minute gesture.
"Bob, contact Fort and tell him I need a Druid, then Trump him to me immediately."
Realmer looks to Drishti with an odd smile and says two words only... "Hip Pigs." Then he nods his head up and down, his eyes show he has an idea.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Friend I sending your mood says, " to the contrary, I am seeing you at the best I have seen now. We just met... "
Fort returns with Bob and listens and nods. "Yes, we're so distracted by the meat we overlooked other considerations. How many do we need? I can be very convincing with animals.".
Looking around He says, "a couple hundred? "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, you know animals better than I; if that be enough to pull all the wagons and artillery, then yes. Could you... Charm that many? And how long would it last? Would you have to remain with them?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort laughs.."I can charm them hard enough that they will walk into fire for us. Frankly though, once I get them here we sic Alex on them. He can train mice enough to make them cavalry. But a hundred is enough to start. We will need to get them moving fast since the cavalry we have now is eating the local grasslands down to the dirt. Ill ee how many are in the herd and bring as many as I can."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Good. Use the Dragonskin Trump of the Melon Patch to get there, then use the Dragonskin Trump of me I gave you when you are ready to return, between that and Bob we should be able to get them all here quickly. I will let Carston know our new plans and to put a hold on the March until you return. And I will contact Alex and let him know our new plans and to prepare to intimidate a hoard of Hip Pigs into submission."
"Bob; please relay those messages to Carston and Alex. Drishti, you're with me. We're going to take all that we need for the Wagon from the Farmstead, staring with the furnishing from the House and all the Ingredients and Components the Masons already had. We can load it in the Wagon once the Hip Pigs are drafted into service and we can get it down there."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Several hours pass till trump contact. Fort says to hold open the trump and he will start passing pigs through. He sounds greatly annoyed.
After a short time of passing the pigs through, they docilely follow orders. They mill around till told what to do. Alex is able to corral them easily enough, leading them off to look them over for oxen duty. They seem to keep glancing over to Fort and if not being actively put to work, shyly nudge over toward him.
Fort whispers to Realmer after he steps through, "Someday, there will come a time, when I am on good terms with these Adledross. I will learn their leadership structures, their culture, and their interactions with client realms like Amber. I may even come to serve here, join them, become close to the way things are done. In time my charming personality will make one of them slip and confide in me who it was among them who chose to play this prank on me. When that occurs, they had best hope they have a god of their own to pull me off whoever chose to bond these nasty beast to me. They had no right. They have angered the Fox. They have angered me. And worse, they have given these beasts a bondmate that will leave their realm one day soon. These people have angered an Archdruid, a Thrice Crown Bard, and a Saint of Battle and they have never had an enemy like me. Now... I have to go bathe"
He walks off, as a pig loops up to him. He scratches it behind the ear before turning, "Oh, one more thing. They are no longer food. Let the troops know. If one is killed in battle I shall know and heal it. These are no longer prey beasts" He turns and walks on, the pig skipping by his heel.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
During the several hours that Fort was gone, Realmer, Drishti and Apprentices would have had plenty of time to clear out the House and other buildings of furnishings, equipment, wares and ingredients that could be used for a meeting room and assorted labs.
Once Realmer realized that Fort still was not back, he would have Ordered the Army to Assemble at the Farmstead, bringing all wagons and artillery, then await the arrival of Fort and the Hip Pigs that are to become the draft animals.
Once the Army began amassing at the Farmstead, Realmer would have put out the word for anyone with previous experience in chemistry, alchemy, apothecary, herbalism, pharmacology or medicine, including medics, to report to the porch of the House. Realmer would have also Ordered all horses to be freed from draft duty, and the draft riggings to be readied for Hip Pigs.
Once Realmer's Wagon arrives, he will have Drishti and the Apprentices assist in filling it with what was plundered from the House and surrounding buildings. Any arriving Applicants will also assist in the loading of the Wagon and organizing of the labs into different types based on skill sets and available ingredients.
By the time Fort arrives, all is ready for the Pigs and the March. Realmer listens to Fort's whispered rant and nods his head, but does not respond, preferring instead to allow Fort some time to cool down and clean up. Realmer spreads the word that the Hip Pigs are no longer food or prey; they are now a part of the Army and as valued as Bonded Mounts. Then he assists with the hooking up of Hip Pigs to Wagons until all is ready, then he seeks out Fort.
Once he finds him, Realmer asks: "So what happened? I thought as an Arch Druid you could Charm them and bend them to your will. Why are they Bonded to you? And why do you think an Adledrossian is behind it?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort nods, "As we have seen powers are not as dependable as elsewhere. They are less powerful more powerful. They clearly do not like spellcasters. I agreed not to use powers not available to others and with the exception of summoning some aide in military situation I have basically done so.. While working with the beasts I was invoking certain druidic powers of mine and one of them overreacted. A simple bond spell should have made a few dozen docile and obedient. I had thrown it a couple dozen times when it exploded on me and I found myself bonded to the herd. it took time to figure out what happened and to calm them down. Once I found the source, which took me breaking one of the agreements I made by raising my Aspect, I heard the culprit laughing...I will know that laugh. Anyway... it is what it is. they will serve. they are not as strong as oxen but they are more agile. they will serve"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer nods. "Laughter, huh? Well, that rules out my theories of you being paranoid and/or the Hip Pigs being overly responsive to magic and/or kindness."
Realmer is quiet for a moment then says, "You said Fox will be angry about the Bond. Since Fox is your.... Primary Bond, could your Secondary Bond to the Pigs be given to another? Either by you or Fox? Perhaps even to someone who would be willing to take the Herd when they leave... if that would be permitted by the Adledross."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I can feel her anger at this whole place. she may be small and quick but she is also a primal beast. Currently only one of three on this world, only one of which is a native. Her anger is no small thing and it the reason they asked her not to interact with me here. However this bond is not like hers and mine, a mutual agreement between two forces. This new bond is with ALL hip pigs on this world. Its not a romantic one. its a devotional one. I didn't touch the World stone but my association with Venki and my proximity to it and those who have touched it bled over to me many centuries ago. Harriet has much the same problem.. We are essentially demi-gods in the Tosa realms, recognizing the term has different connotations there. Here, these pigs are bound to me as worshipers and I am not amused. It is a cruel thing to do to them. It an unbidden burden on me. Their will be a reckoning for it and I shall not be shy about it. when I return to this place, I will not be bound by the restrictions on my powers that Alex and I are now. These Adledross run a warzone. I am capable of bringing them a war to test their own talents."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, I feel it is fully unfair that this unwanted Bond has been stuck to you, when it was clearly me who gave the Order for the Pigs to be Charmed and used for something besides prey and food. Had I not given the Order, you would not have used your Powers on your own and you would not have had to raise your Aspect."
Realmer suddenly has a determined look on his face. "I think it is time I see if this stopper works." he says, as he pulls out his bottle of brandy and focuses on the Trump Carving Stopper of Percy.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The trump comes to life around the shaved image, moving..."What spells doth thou weave oh wizard, that my eyes see and my ears hear though thy presence is in question. Dost though seek to summon and bind me? What deed does this magic make for thee?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Greetings, Percy. Let me first put you at ease; I do not mean to summon you away nor bind you in any way. What you are experiencing is a Power called Trump Artistry, mainly used for communication. Only you can see and hear me, and if you wish not to be heard speaking to thin air, speak with your mind instead of your mouth; I will hear you. I am contacting you in regards to a recent occurrence of some significance to Fort... and myself. I believe he was mistakenly punished for something I ordered him to do. I would like to talk with someone about this matter and you were the first I thought of and knew I could contact."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The trump severs.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Moments later Percy arrives walking out from a crowd of soldiers who seem to see him not.
"Oh think me the demogorgon for playing cruel pranks, son of Chaos?"
He reaches for the bottle.
"Think me unlettered in the powers of many lands?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I know not the extent of your knowledge or powers. And yes, I think it cruel to play pranks; generically as well as specifically. And if you are the arbiter of this prank, then I think you not a demogorgon, but certainly feel you have leveled it at the wrong person. If anyone is to blame and if anyone is to be punished, or cruelly pranked, it should be me; the one who gave the command. Had I not told Fort to charm the pigs, he would not have used his powers and would not now be bonded to the entire species of Hip Pig on this world. Am I not here to learn how to Command and be a Commander? Does not a Commander take full responsibility, and thus full consequences, for all the actions taken under his Command and by his orders? Well, I am that Commander and I am taking that responsibility. If the Herd of Hip Pigs must be Bonded to an individual in order to serve our needs here, then let that Bond be unto me."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Boldly decried but you ask what can not be given. You gave orders, a thing you came here to learn. Fortunadas followed your orders, a thing he came here to learn. Now you both learn that orders, actions, have consequences. Oh think not that what was done to him was done in malice. We Adledross watch the season's play and rarely see more then feats of arms. This season the play has dangerous actors and your presence here shall cause many to suffer. We can effect such things only a little. He was warned not to use certain powers-not because we Adledross will punish him but because his powers will make the shadow respond to them. A leader must decide when follow the rule and when to break them. Then will his servants suffer death? For a time. But here, death has not the same sting nor victory its glory. You came to learn to give commands? Learn to bear the consequences. "  
He passes the bottle back.  
"I will tell you one thing we Adledross do; we gamble. The bets fly fast on Great Souled Fortunadas and on thee, Son of Chaos. But there are those that bet on the creature of rage as well. Many a season silver bets crossed the table aplenty but no one was ruined. this season, fortunes change hands daily. such is the notions of the year"
He steps back and fades away. The carved bottle top loses its chill.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer turns to Fort. "Well, that was Percy and you heard what he said, so we're stuck with this Troll Shite for now. Let us worry about our plans for when we get out of here for when we get out of here. For now, we have an Army to get on the march and battles to prepare for. Let's get Alex and our Apprentices together at my Wagon and we can have Bob Trump us to the Castle and Carston can get the Army underway."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He shrugs, "I liked his wife's writing better anyway...Lets seek safety in battle."


====<big>Adledross: Fortunes Rise and Fall with Glory</big>====

*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fortunes rise and fall with glory.  And an army marches on its stomach.  The Army on the march moves as a snake, a living thing. The order of the march is telling. The slowest forces lead the way to keep the army together. That's the infantry.  Five columns comprise the Amber force. Each includes the majority of infantrymen. Each column has a body of Cavalry. Each Column has a sutlers crew of wagons pulled by obedient hip pigs.  Besides the 5 corps is a body of artillery troops with their wagons.  Food has been assembled and dispersed the the corps.  First Corp has the distinction of having its commanders being royal and thus differed to by the other corp commanders. It his a second in command who organizes and interacts with the the sutler's crews and the magical elements.  Advance forces have transported to the forward castle. There Alex introduces the surviving Raaskans. Their senior surviving leader, Juxtin, a sergeant of sorts, explains the battle much as Alex said.  Fort says he should stay with the army to make sure the hip pigs behave but its probably best to get the army moving.  
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer inspects the Army as it prepares to March. He orders Drishti to remain with the Vardo Wagon and travel with the Army and use the Wagon as an Infirmary if needed. He assigns her, and her team of Medics, Chemists, Alchemists, Herbalists and five of the best new Users of Magic, outside of the Apprentices, to hunt and gather herbs, plants fungi, raw ingredients, rare components and anything they think useful in a Laboratory and Infirmary, while on the March.  After the meeting with the Raaskans and their Leader Juxtin at the Forward Castle, Realmer recommends that Fort remain at the Castle to help prepare for the coming onslaught of Reggie and his Merry Band of Dufiro, stating that Carston has already gotten the Army underway and the Hip Pigs are cooperative enough for the Army to manage. And if problems arise, Carston does have a Dragonskin Trump of Realmer if needed.  “I understand your concern, Fort; but we have some major planning to do to prepare for the battle to come in roughly three days. And you are my Specialist in the Field of Dufiroism. And perhaps a tour of the Castle is in order to see its capabilities, defenses and weaknesses. Alex, you've already looked the place over, and have much experience in Combat and War, and I am sure with Beings equally as powerful as the Dufiro; what say you?”
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Alex looks at Fort who shrugs. Alex says, "We won't fight Reggie in a fort. We will fight him where We have blasting room. He will fight by proxy. Avasa. Spirits. Elemental. And any one they can recruit here. There are forces on the move. I can feel them. The fortress is here because foes intend to attack it. Reggie is a separate problem, rest assured. He will not want to contend with me. The Dufiro of war know me well. He is foolish to think Great Fortunadas a lesser foe. In time he shall bind him to a stone and cast him into the grounds of royal York where he shall lie till Tolknor frees him. As for the fort otherwise? Solid. Defensible. Supplied with water against a siege...but...a siege here... Wastes time. We should hold it for a few weeks then move westward."


*'''Michael James Watson'''
The army moved through the hilly country in good order. A screening force of well armed cavalry units rode to either side of the main body to spring traps and ambushes.   The Light infantry marched wide cross the front, able to maneuver at a moments notice.   The heavy infantry marched in the center like an rock for waves to break upon.  Behind the support troops, well armed, lead wagons, livestock, fresh horses, dottles, and a long string of pack mules and llamas. The drovers ride Hip Pigs as they lead the wagons. The wagons show smaller wheels then normal wagons making them work better with the agile pork.  Above flies a wing of dragons and wyverns scouting the long road ahead.  Among the army on the move the leaders fluidly shifted as needed to oversee their charges. Sir Carston, Commander of the March, held his place in the front of the main body of the well disciplined army.  The command staff rides in the middle of blocks of heavy infantry. Vardo wagons pulled by Clydesdale horses.   A pair of Reen wyverns start spiraling down to the army, an agreed on symbol for conference. Fort sends word through the Bob Network for the army to halt.   Fort says to Realmer, 'Must be something big if the Reen are going to need a conference. The last area was rough but straightforward.'  Realmer nods, “Maybe they see something ahead that is Reggie finally popping his head above water. Its hard to believe he has withheld his assault so far.”  Fort-”He must have something big ahead”  Arriving suddenly with Bob is Alex and Raz'Cri, the Kzin Force Commander who has rarely been in touch with the Amber army.  Fort say, “Sub Commander Alexandir, Force Commander Raz'Cri, what brings you here. We have Reen circling down for a conference too.”  Alex pats the Kzin on the shoulder, “My friend here has news.”  The Kzin steps forward, “Field Marshal Relmopator, our main forces are 8 days ahead of yours at the speed your army travels. We engaged a force of ancient Kzin. Afterward we entered a beach area. On the sands there we were greeted with a contingent of the Adledross leadership. We have been awarded First Position for reaching the finish first. Your army is 8 days from coming in second. The Reen main force are 30 days back at wing speed after their disastrous battle at the Air Forge. The Raskens are scattered across the continent and the Master of Ceremonies of the Adledross tells us the Raskens may not complete the course. My congratulations. I recognize yourself, Marshals Fortunadas and Alexandir, Sub Commanders Carston, Tesa, and your beholder Bob as Friends of the Ashanons Pack.'  Alex laughs, “Imagine Fort, me a friend of Kzin...after all the Kzin and Kresh I hunted!”  Raz'cri growls a laugh, “if you had a hide worth making into garments maybe I would have a human skin rug.. but alas...”  Realmer sighs..”Thank you Force Commander. It has been a very long year. It will be good to be done with it.”  Raz'cri, ”Do not tarry, but there is still times for your magical foes to make their assault. We have not sen anything to suggest the efforts of the Dufirosim ahead.”  Realmer agrees. “Yes, we will be on guard. Carston, let the march know to open ranks to wide order for the next several days. No sense getting slaughtered this close to the finish.”  Raz bows out and he and Alex trump with their Mini Bob back to their forces.  As the wyverns land fort says, “I'm willing to bet the Kzin stole our Reen allies' thunder”  Realmer watches them land, “No bet.”    

*'''Michael James Watson'''
The sun sets over the blue purple sea. A cliff edge with a small collection of chairs around a fire is filled with a small collection of notables. The gathering is relaxed, fire burns, drinks flow, a keg of dark beer is tapped and a case of fine wine sits nearby. Several bottles of rich bourbon sit hear the bar.  A dozen people sit variously about.   At the water's edge is Tesa in a long white dress, far different then her usual attire. Her back is to the crowd and she looks out over the sea silently.   Fortunadas Enright stands by one edge of the seating group regaling the group with tales from the battle of Adledross that all know the details of. Alexandir Kos Korag sits near him, every inch the king and Wargod. He looks across the gathering at Prince Benedict who sits with a glass of bourbon and a cigar, speaking to Sir Carston.  A Kzin reclines uncomfortably with an arm across the sofa back.  Two commanders of the Amber Army sit with two force commanders of the Reen talking about the past.   In the middle of it all sits Sir Relmopator, a glass in his hand, satisfied with the completion of the challenges of Adledross. A thin man sits down beside him, a glass of wine in his hand.  “Well, I shall write a lovely poem for you m'Lord Realmer. Your leadership was quite entertaining and fortunes were won across Adledross, my own in particular.”  Realmer look at the wine with hidden disdain but sips his own drink. “I can't say who was the victor in such gambling but I would like my cut. I won't hold my breath of course.”  Percy tips his glass before drinking, 'No, that wouldn't be prudent. I ill take my leave of you. It has been a fine madness dealing with you. Keep the bottle. Be warned. Those two,” gesturing to Benedict and Alexandir, “Are doomed to face each other. Though betting will be fierce and fortunes wagered, I will refrain myself. It is hard to see a clear victor. Their methods are so different. I recommend though, that you not be on the field when they choose to clash. The result will be bloody. And the tan one, Fortunadas, I am not sure I would trust him. His vine of loyalties is twisted like a hangman's rope. Beyond that, though I could make a thousand lines of poetic advice, I shall step away. A happy madness to you”  Realmer rises with him and hakes his hand, “and a fine madness to you as well. Your help this year has been invaluable. I consider myself in your debt. Seek me in Amber if you feel the need.'  he nods and steps away, singing,   “Men of England, wherefore plough For the lords who lay ye low? Wherefore weave with toil and care The rich robes your tyrants wear? Wherefore feed and clothe and save From the cradle to the grave Those ungrateful drones who would Drain your sweat—nay, drink your blood? “  Fort looks aside at him as Percy fades away.  Fort walks over, “Beware a poet who reads his own verse in public. He may have other bad habits. With the dawn we return to Rasak. We will lose those who have traveled with us. I've enough information to find the Reen in Shadow, the Kzin as well. I have a good idea where our Dakotans will go and if the time ratio is OK I may find them as well.   " Its been a hell of an expedition. Now that the rank of Adledross is done I should tell you that Alex is returning to his old self. Charming and ambitious. Tell Random that Rasak has not made Alex loyal to Amber. It has made him interested in the power of Amber. Never a good thing. As for myself, its been a pleasure. You have my respect and if you need my blade, you have it as well. But our paths diverge here. When Rasak is done, I have other obligations.”  Alex stands and walk over to put a hand on Tesa's shoulder, she looks up and leans in against him.  Fort shakes his head. “Don't expect gratitude or loyalty from Alexandir. He owes allegiance to three people. Luckily, I am one. One is Tolknor, King of York. The third is his only son Caland, who is a failure in his eyes in every way. Beyond we three he recognizes only loyalty to himself. If you value Tesa, be prepared to one day face Alexandir to rescue her. Women see something different in the titan then men do. I go to sleep. Adledross is done and the Fox awaits me. See you in Rasak. After that, come see me at the Palace Commons in Amber. I want to introduce you to my friend Lop.”    Fort walks off before Realmer can respond. The night falls.  

*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Relmopator neither seeks out nor summons any, but welcomes all that come calling. He says little, choosing to be succinct in word and sincere in sentiment. He remains near the center of the open-air sitting room on the beach, watching and listening and sipping his brandy as his thoughts drift back over the past year on Adledross and the previous years on Rasak. He remains standing until well after all have departed the beach, then he sits down on the couch, alone with the world and his thoughts. He sets Bob on watch then lets out a sigh as he settles into the comfortable cushions; now his thoughts shift to the future; the return to Rasak, his return to Amber, the things he intended and intends to do upon return... much has happened... much has changed within Realmer. He has experienced much since leaving Amber, and has learned more than he thought he would have from attending a course for Elite Soldiers. He chuckles quietly as he realizes that now he is an Elite Soldier as well, by training, if not in title. But that is all that really counts, in his book. He drinks to himself and watches the stars and thinks on future plans until twilight, then he stands and watches the dawn on this world of war one last time.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
As dawn starts peaking over the eastern sky, but dark still reigns a thin figure comes and settles down beside you. Smoking a cigar Benedict nods as he settles. H carries two mugs and a large thermos.  
"You did well, cousin. I told the Adledross not to change the command of the troops like they would have normally. I wanted to gauge you. See how Fortunadas and Alexandir took to taking orders. See how that Chad adventurer Carston managed as a leader. He was a run of the mill fighter on Tosa. He grew dramatically coming to Amber. The effect of those who stay too long in Amber.”  
He puts the cups down, pours coffee from the thermos.   
“Fort and Alexandir are already immortal but they too are effected. proximity to power for the power hungry. Fort is a facilitator, and a clever one. One does not become what he is without diverse talents and a greed for power. They come from a shadow of Amber that once had a Shade pattern of its own. They could only reach powers so far. But Random brought them to Amber and now they can gain power there. Alexandir didn't learn anything here he didn't already know except to gauge you himself. But I got to see him in action. Impressive. He's a shadow of Osric. I can smell my older brothers rank stench of arrogance. But arrogance earned. Alex is going to be trouble. For many reasons.”   
He sips coffee, taps off his cigar.  
'He has entered into a relationship it seems with Tesa. Interesting. You brought a strong talented street thief to Rasak. A Snikura Assassin. I can't allow that relationship to continue but I can not split it up. You must. Tesa has her own lineage problem. She is the daughter of a creature named Conf of Shadows, a Tosian but not of the crowd that became gods by the World Stone. He was the mightiest thief in shadows long before Tolknor, fort, and Alexandir began adventuring. He has always been able to come to Amber. And once, long before Patternfall he met Mirelle, Random's full sister. They shared madness together. Tesa was the result. Early on Mirelle bound Tesa to Gangdis. For protection, its why they are so fond of each other. Conf took Tesa from Mirelle and put her in a city called Sanctuary. Miserable place, but it teaches resourcefulness. I had no idea till she was at Rasak. But somehow Alex senses it. He is not above toying with woman's affection if it means marrying into the House Barimen. Fathering a child of the blood. Of course Tesa doesn't know she is kin but I know her father does. And her father caused Mirelle's madness and I don't know how that happened.”   
He starts a second cup.   
“I don't men do it tomorrow. But keep an eye on her. Beware the Wargod of Tosa.'  
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer takes the second mug after Benedict has filled it with coffee, then he pours the last of his brandy into the mug. As he is about to toss the empty bottle aside, he recalls Percy's words to 'keep the bottle', so he re-corks it with the Trump bust of Percy he carved himself, here on Adledross, then slides it inside his satchel. He sips the spiked coffee as he listens to Benedict's words.  
“You are the second person this day to warn me of the relationship between Alex and Tesa, and to advise me that one day I must split them up. I was unaware that she was Family, but I am aware of who her father is; Conf and I had a conversation many years ago, by my reckoning of time, while I was residing in the Embassy on Adagalasck as Amber's Ambassador. He informed me then that she was his and that he had plans for her and that one day he would reclaim her and I was not to interfere. He also said that if I wished to speak with him that I should stand in the shadows and whisper his name and that he would hear me. I was not aware that he was her father at that time; I learned that here on Adledross after we all got our memories back and Fort and Tesa had a spat.”  
Realmer takes a drink of his spiked coffee then continues.  
“I like Tesa; even though I know she is only using her association with me to gain power and status. I think I will always be keeping an eye on her. And I shall be wary of Alexandir, but I know his type; I have dealt with Demigods and Minor Gods during my Adventuring Years... though this is a bit different than that, but all Gods have their weaknesses, this I have learned. And I have gauged him as well this past year. And Fortunadas too, and... well, basically everyone. After arriving on Adledross I was informed early on about some of the motivations and ambitions of some the notables under my command, so I watched and studied them as a good Commander should; learning all I could. Then I studied them as a cautious Adventurer would and as an Amberite should by reflex; wary of double deals, ulterior motives and possible ambush. I learned much from them all and from this place... mostly, to keep things hidden, never show all your cards and to expect the unexpected... or was that Random's poker games... either way. And though I may have been gauged by them as well, they did not see my full potential; this place limited that somewhat... and the fact that Reggie and his entourage never returned; I had something wicked planned for them... perhaps one day in Shadow...”
He lets the thought trail off as he drinks some coffee.  
“Oh, and speaking of King Random, I was advised to inform him that Alex's time on Rasak and Adledross have not made him loyal to Amber but have only created within him a greater interest in the power of Amber. And that his ambitions are still strong. And Percy has told me that one day you and Alex will face each other on the field of battle and that I should not be present when that happens. Somehow, it's as though he sees the future... or is really good at reading the signs, but whatever it is or isn't, he said he is unsure of the outcome of the battle to come between you two.”  
Realmer takes a moment to gulp down the rest of his spiked coffee then refills his mug from the thermos and inhales the aroma before continuing.  
“I know that King Random wants me to join him on the Jeweled Road after I leave Rasak, but as I stated before leaving Amber, I have some important personal matters to attend to before that can happen. One of them is walking the Pattern and using its power to take me where I need to go; I may be gone a long time, or not; it will depend on the Time Flow where I end up. But first I must visit with Julian and Ninaatres to inform them of their inclusion in Random's inner circle and of Adagalasck's inclusion in the Golden Circle, assuming they have not been informed of such already. I can't wait to see the look on Julian's face when he sees the Graduation Dagger on my belt.”  
Realmer smiles and chuckles at the thought then drinks some coffee from his mug, savoring the flavor.

*'''Michael James Watson'''
“Cousin, I find myself amused and to say that is interesting is an understatement. I have been a silent guardian of Amber for thousands of years... my brothers quibbled and vied for Oberon's affection and recognition while I, having had that in my youth, knew it was a thing to avoid. Now, its somewhat shocking... for the last 70 years or so there has been very little family strife. You spent many of those years in the dungeon of course, free from the obligation of attending a demanding king. It amuses me to think of little scrappy underfoot Random as a demanding king but to the shock of everyone, including me and perhaps himself, he has grown into a good one.'

He finishes a coffee and hangs the cup on a finger. Reaching over he takes Realmer's, tossing out the dregs, and hangs it on a finger. He raises a small sign of the pattern and has it slide over the two cups cleaning them. Realmer realizes that while Benedict must have magical skills this is one of the rare times he has seen them used, and in a way he is unfamiliar with.

He points a finger and a hum fill the cups a inch up with some heavily cinnamon rum smell. Potent enough to make the eyes feel it a few feet away. He pours coffee on top of it. The army colored thermos looks indistinguishable from many in shadow and used in Rasak but Realmer thinks it must be ever filling with the rich strong coffee Benedict prefers.

He notes Realmer's attention and smiles, “The Rum is Ruda's Far isle Double Dark. Its made by a woman named Ruda Alabega. A pirate, well, privateer really, who served Amber's navy in her youth and who...serviced me often back in the days centuries ago. Bitch can chew glass and spit shards. One of the loves of my life. She was unofficially a privateer leading her pirate fleet against troublesome neighbors of Amber and allowing Gerard and Caine to have the ability to deny their involvement. But she became...unreliable. Took up with Bunny Free. Anyway, she makes a rum that can peal paint off a ships hull, kill barnacles, and knock out a sailor whose had a leg shorn off. It tastes like mango, coconut, banana, and fire but the taste grows on ya. Sort of like a boil. Mixes great with Far Isle coffee. There is an island with a coffee plantation on it that makes a hearty dark coffee I serve at the poker game. But not to everyone. The thermos of course is a gift of Percy's.”

Handing the coffee he sighs at his first sip.

“Its been a long time since I had a kinsman I felt I could confide in. You are not in the line of succession and neither are my siblings anymore. As for Tesa, her fate is her own. Maybe she can mange Alex. She is a skilled assassin after all. I find it interesting that Gangdis thought to bring her with you on your adventures. It certainly profited her. She is the first Rasak trained Snikura assassin. The Snikura are something of Conf's. Problem solvers of his. No need to worry about her and Alex anytime soon. He rarely keeps a playmate long. He has fathered only one son in tens of thousands of couplings. There is probably a reason why but amberites aren't all that fecund either so maybe its how the pattern wants things.”

He looks sideways to Realmer, "Remember that; The pattern wants things. I suspect no Amberite is born unless the pattern wishes it. It was young and Wild when Drowkin fathered Oberon and Oberon fathered his First brood. It may know better now though it makes me wonder how much control it had of the creation of my line with Lintra. Hmmm"

“As For Random, the progress he had planned has been scrapped. Plans change. You may or may not remember a son of Julian's, Donovan. Very young. He has been to the castle a couple times but mostly he was raised with the Rangers. His mother is a Fey Duchess named Cyrene. The Fey in Amber have sort of led lives in hiding for the most part. Not officially recognized but not oppressed either. Oberon had a problem with them in the beginning. They inhabited Amber before Oberon brought his new wife, my sister and mother Cymnea and bore Osric, Finndo, Borlak and I there. He also fathered Orsola with a Rebman queen Moins, and Elfwine with the Fea queen Titania. Cymnea was jealous in a way that has cast shadows of jealous women across shadow ever since. So the rebmans got their own kingdom rather then just being part of the Kingdom of Amber when it started, and the Fey were forced into hiding. Hell Cymnea and Titania actually fought and it took Elfwine and Osric to pull them apart. Cyrene and I fought, she beside her sister Titania and I along side my mother. Borlak had to separate us. I was a delivering her deathstrike when Borlak tackled me. I allowed Donovan into Rasak as a partial apology when Julian requested it.”

“I mention it because Donovan walked the pattern and heeding the visions he had during the experience went to help my daughter Desri on heist in Nu Yark. She is criminally inclined. What they found, unexpectedly, was the Arden Stone. Thats a power artifact of great antiquity, being a Fey power construct before the creation of Amber.”

Pulling a cigar from a separate case, lighting it, offering one to Realmer. The sweet colorful Urala smoke is exhaled in a series of smoke rings. Seeing Benedict using the drug is another surprise.

"Its ancient history of course, and as a sorcerer you might know, that in boundless Chaos there were many shadows, regions of existence, ones that the inhabitants of short lives might deem permanent but they were flimsy as the wind. A mere million years here and there and they fade away. Creatures of chaos are not bound by time, or shape, or order, or structure. The rock Kolvir was such a place. A continent, a forest, a mountain with caves. And in the land lived Fey races. Their leaders were a collection of great fey, elven, nature oriented, and infused with the powers of chaos. Their King and Queen, and a few of their brothers and sisters were Lords of Chaos. I do not know who Titiana's king was in Chaos but she was the queen. After the pattern was created shadows of the fey had Oberon and Titiana as kings and queen of the Fey. The Arden Stone was central to the powers of the Fey in Chaos for endless eons."

"When Dworkin picked their realm and Kolvir to forge the primal pattern it threw all creation into flux. And the Fey, original inhabitants of Kolvir, were linked to the Pattern and so was the Arden Stone. As long as they had the stone they were a power equal to the pattern. Dworkin and the Unicorn bore Oberon there and he grew there. Titiana was his wet nurse. He grew powerful, as fey and as a Lord of Chaos and the first person to walk the pattern beside Dworkin and the Unicorn. soon he left and wandered the new shadows. When he returned to raise a kingdom, daughter-wife in tow, Titiana and her sister Cyrene were there. Cymnea hated them both on sight. It never got better. But out in Chaos, somewhere, was Titiana's true husband. He had been away when Amber was created and was severed from her by the forces of creation."

"I tell you this because Donovan and Desri have returned to Amber. They had quite an adventure of it. My brother Kibar and Bley's son Nicholas helped in the heist and helped fight of autoduelists and various other threats. They met my brother Hamilton, a Lord of Mandalay and an instructor at Rasak, and he traveled with them for a time. They met with Random and I and for technical reasons the Stone was unable to pass Trumps so they had to take it by foot, or by Kibar's autodueling car at least. Donovan promised to meet Random on the far side of Mandalay at Rue Katal so the army that would have been the King's progress instead for marched there. Random, Dalt, Macsen, Arloxedra, and I waited there. Vance with a fleet in space. We had our own encounters. Ill tell you about them in a moment."

"Donovan, Desri, Hamilton, and Kibar met and negotiated with a force of Fey Dragons from Ang Ri. They met Fey and Adask fey that fled Chaos and the Abyss to follow the call of the Arden Stone and had to fight some of them. Then they met a force from Mandalay led by Elfwine and a force from Adagalask led by Julian that arrived at the same time of course. They tried to convince him to take the stone to Mandalay or Adagalsk. He refused Julian, his father, who nearly drew blade on him to seize it. Ninartes had in fact ordered him to murder Donovan and Desri if they denied him the Stone but he didn't in the end. After that they took the stone to Mandalay. In Mandalay, much to our surprise, Adrian just wanted the stone to visit Ygg. And he told Donovan how to convince the stone to travel trump. So rather then meeting Random and all of us at Rue Katal he trumped to Amber and installed the stone in Arden. Random was pissed purple and blue. He wanted the stone installed in the Castle Amber gardens.

"The others pieces moving were a huge force of Chaosians that crossed the Abyss determined to teal the stone. Bleys and his pet warbands and war gods, including forces led by three of his own shadows, Blays, Blake Fisher, and Brandy Amberton, met them near Chaos and destroyed them. In the celebrations Bleys got to drunk and Dara of all people delivered him to Random and I. A force of Regorian space warriors tried to reach the stone but Vance, Agrom and Vander destroyed Regor's space force. And CHAD forces led by King Arin and Sir Reltorious obliterated another army of Azcla. Dalt and Macsen met a force of dark Fey from out of the Diaga Sway. There were a number of smaller fights. Historians might call it a war. But once the Stone was installed in Arden, it as all over. Donovan won. "

*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer accepts the rum coffee and drinks some as Benedict begins speaking; his reaction of slight surprise could have been from the drink or that Benedict was confiding in him, but Realmer made it appear it was the rum coffee by staring into the cup a moment before carefully trying another swallow. He listens to Benedict and sips his coffee quietly. When offered the cigar, Realmer accepts it and lights it with a tiny jet of flame from his fingertip, inhales deeply then exhales smoke rings and smoke squares that rotate and collide to form a type of smoke mandala that soon dissipates into the morning air. When Benedict grows silent, then the silence lengthens, Realmer speaks.  
“A fair amount to digest before breakfast. Let me first say I am honored that you would confide in me, cousin, and a bit surprised; I didn't think you had much regard for me due to your distaste for... some of my methods. In regards to Gangdis introducing me to Tesa, it was because I told him I wanted someone with particular skill sets to accompany us, and hers matched. And the Pattern... yes, I have been aware of the Will of the Pattern since I first walked a Shade of it in Ambir well over a century ago. Grandfather schooled me well in numerous things, including the Pattern and its ways, as well as other Powers, Ancient and Recent History and most recently, the Fey... perhaps he thought it prudent considering I am Adask Fey. Grandfather also informed me that my Fey Powers have been blocked by my grandmother, Verna; it is she whom I intend to seek out once I reach the center of the Pattern. Having those powers returned to me could prove useful in my future dealings with the various Fey races in my role as an Ambassador of Amber... or a Soldier of Amber.”  
Realmer pauses to take a sip of rum coffee and a puff from his cigar, then he continues.  
“It sounds like young Donovan is a man of action, perhaps even a man with a purpose... or maybe just a man trying to make a name for himself. King Random told me about him, his parentage and some of Amber's rocky history with the Fey before I attended Rasak. Quite an adventure he had indeed, by the sounds of it; makes me miss my adventuring years and crave the adventuring life once again. And since we are confiding in each other, I don't think Donovan did wrong by installing the Arden Stone in Arden; after all, that is where it originated from... but that is just my personal opinion. Then there's Julian... and Ninaatres... Julian's behavior only surprises me a bit, but not Nina's... some things grandfather told me recently about Adask Fey. Perhaps I should hold off on visiting them for the time being...” He trails off a moment.  
“I thank you for the history lesson, cousin; the information will prove useful I am sure. And thank you for the report of recent events; it's good to know what's going on and who's doing it. In fact, it sounds like much has happened since I departed Amber... perhaps I should check in with King Random before doing anything else. Well, I guess there is this Graduation Ceremony that I'm supposed to attend today... maybe I should do that first. Unless you know something I don't.”  
He gives Benedict a sideways glance and a quick smile, before raising his cup of rum coffee and taking a drink. Then he stands and stretches in the early morning light, the broad sword he took in the chest still hanging from his left hip. He takes a long draw off the cigar, holds it a few moments, then exhales a cloud of smoke into the fresh morning air.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Benedict nods, "The volume of what I know that you don't would take centuries to tell as they took millennia to gain.”   
Leaning back,, he continues, “ As for your methods, do you think I have never had undead at my command? Or that I don't know how to create them? The skills are known. Brand could teach you much about their use. There are still few undead cats running around the castle someplace he created. And there is an Army of high functioning undead lead by a lich that are in my employ. Several million skeletons with full autonomous intellects and social skills, led by their own officers. A whole army resurrected at once. Vampire scouts. A variety of other forms. Several hundred ghosts as intelligence gathers. And the general staff is a collection of mind flayers and liches, lead by a War Leader Lich. One must fight wars with the material available in the shadows the wars are fought in.”  
“I don't like the methods because they creep near the method used by my two other brothers; Hinarik and Eater. both are First brood and live close to Chaos where undead are common. Oberon, Osric and I have long been concerned that necromancy close to the pattern might attract their interest. As it is Finndo spends a great deal of his time out that way keeping an eye on them as well as Borlak. You spent time undead. Maybe someday you will meet them. When you do, know that a death warent for them exists signed by Oberon, then Finndo, Eric, and Random. But Dworkin has said to beware of their death curses; they are attuned to death and might make potent ones"  
"As for Rasak, school is done. On return the forces will be assembled and graduated. When they grasp the dagger it will transport them to their next posting. Mostly their homes. Yours will send you directly to Random. He is expecting you. One thing about the daggers. They are made to be improved. Most graduates never know that or try it. But you certainly will. They are created to be especially welcoming to additional powers. Yours however will have two special power already. You may summon me in need. Once. And by the teats of the Unicorn the reason had better be dire. And the blade will be extremely effective against someone wearing Rearden. Tesa will not be told but hers will be similarly effective against someone wearing Rearden. I suggest you never wear Rearden yourself. "
Standing, he extends a hand to shake and raise you to your feet. "Assemble your troops one last time. they should be rested while we seem to have wasted the night away in contemplation."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer accepts Benedict's hand and grips it firmly and shakes it warmly.
“Cousin, being that I am a child compared to you, I have no doubt that you have great volumes of knowledge I do not possess and that you have forgotten more than I currently know. And being that you are the Lord Marshall of Amber and a Legendary Warrior, I was certain that you understood the usefulness of an undead army and that you had used one or would use one when the situation called for it and the proper conditions existed. I was unaware, however, that you have a standing undead army with specialized troops and the ability to raise one. Impressive. And I absolutely understand the careful and judicious use of Necromancy, in any form... and the attentions it can draw even if used for good. I assure you I will not use those powers or spells in or near Amber unless the situation be dire indeed. I have enjoyed our conversation and hope there will be more of them in the future. I am off to gather my troops, Lord Marshall.”
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He laughs, " Well, its bad enough the friggin pattern keeps popping out pattern ghosts. And of course Amber has a few ghosts of its own. "
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The troops gather in and orderly manner on the beach. Rank upon rank. North the Dragons are seen gathering and far to the south the Kzin. Those are the only troops that arrived near the same time. The Adledross begin reviewing troops. A dozen individuals of dramatically different appearances.. With the ones looking over the Amber troops are Boney, Percy, a person looking fairly Roman, as well as Banidoc, Benedict, and several instructors from Rasak.  In time the Adledross speak to Benedict and they leave. Percy looks to Realmer with a nod and approaches. While the others speak he walks over to Realmer and Fortunadas as they stand in front of the troops.  
He speaks softly, "The Lords of Adledross have long argued over the wisdom of training wizards. While many have come here few have as potent magic as you both. Two rulings have been made with you both in mind. First, the Lords of Adledross invite you to visit and speak to the conference about the possibility of including magical instruction and summoning magically-oriented foes. We have many wizards among the Adledross natives but none that are suitable to act as Advocates such as Bonaparte, Scipio Africanus, or myself. Secondly, the Conference of Adledross determined that the summoning of the Dufiro of War, an accident caused by the accidental summoning of the Dakotan Ritualists, was not directly your faults there for we banished the Dufiro, but when the Dakotans return to their homes they will retain knowledge they gained here. Ritualists need very little encouragement to cause mayhem and having Adledross trained Ritualists would be very disruptive on their home world. I advise, if you are the man we believe you to be, to seek them out and remove them from their home worlds. Lastly, Sir Fortunadas. Please extend our invitation to your lord and tell him he is welcome to come make accord with us to allow his Total Warriors to train here. It's been a pleasure. I hope we meet again."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer nods to Percy. "Please let the Lords of Adledross know I will gladly speak to the conference, when time permits; I do have some matters to attend to after leaving here. And in regards to the second matter..."
Realmer turns to Fort and continues, "I guess we have one more mission together before we part company. Unless of course going to get the Dakotans and taking them away from their homes was already in your plans."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I have dinner planned with a few friends at a place called Diaga Raks. As soon as I hit the road they know to meet me there. After that I have a trip to York to speak with Tolknor. That's another person you should meet someday but he is not taking meetings with Amberites these days as part of an Agreement with Random that allowed CHAD to serve Amber. I am sure Dakota is not on your first stop list either. But Ill be in Amber fairly quickly. Time is ...flexible... around Tolknor so our meeting won't take but a few moments of Amber time. So when you are ready to go gather them up let me know and I'll ride with you. Your shadowwalking skills are of a different order then mine so I'll drive, you navigate."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I had a few things planned, one of which might take some time, but it seems they will have to wait. My meeting with King Random cannot be put off, however, so I will contact you when that is done and I am ready."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Service to our kings rarely waits. Tolknor is casual about such things. His perception of time is slanted. He doesn't live consecutively. Its difficult to talk to him on occasion. He was always kind of like that but it only got more pronounced over time. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Random is pretty casual as kings go... or maybe that's just with Family. He's easy to talk to and fair minded. I'm sure our meeting won't take long."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Stepping from Adledross to Rasak the soldier reach their final trial.  
On the flat battle plain they find a thousand forges. Hot coal and anvils, racks with tools and materials.  
They feel the familiar feel of a ring of compulsion on their hand.   
A massive dwarf walks before the assemblage as they move automatically to formation.  
“Warriors of Rasak. You have achieved greatness. You will not be forgotten. You have one final challenge and I will lead you in it. I am Vulcan, Master of the Forge. You have all done some iron work while in Rasak but now you will take on a mastery of it.”   
He walks up to a large forge similar to the smaller ones and facing them. He takes a large drink from a massive mug.  
“Ahead of you are your forges. You will step to them in a moment. You will find hot coals. There are billets of the finest irons produced here. There are mithril ingots. There is oak from trees of the forests of Rasak that each of you ran by. There is silver made from the plates you ate on while in Rasak. There is leather made from animals you slew, butchered, cook, and ate here. There is sinew from them as well. There are hammer, tongs, files, sharpening wheels and buffing wheels. Barrels of water, oil and blood for quenching. Barrels of water and wine for drinking.”   
“You will draw the billets and fold them 300 times to make a master work. You will pour the mithril to form hilt and pommel and sheath tips. You will cut the leather and stamp it to be sewn with sinew. You will sand the wood for handles. You will assemble the knife. You will assemble the sheath”  
“Once completed you will present it to the Master of Rasak. He will give you the strap and place the finished piece on you. Then your time here will be done.”  
“You need not fear that you will fail or that you hammer will slip. You wear the Rings of Compulsion. I will guide your efforts.”  
“One last thing. You are impervious to burns but will feel the pains. A blade made without pain is of no use. Now.. Take your places.”  
As one the soldiers take their places. Unlike in the past they retain their thoughts if not their limbs. Relmopator has enough awareness to see his barrel of wine is instead frothy with a strong porter beer. 
The work begins. Fire and iron. Sweat in the icy air of the battlefield of Rasak. 
Hours pass, night comes and goes. Hands echo the movements of Vulcan as he repeats a process he has done many times. A performance of excellence and madness.   
The Soldiers of Rasak see their blade come to life under their hands. They feel the satisfaction of each other and that of the observers to the far side.  
At a point where the hands craft wood Instructors walk among the craftsman. One goes to each forge and presses a jewel in the pommel of each knife. The craftsman are aware of who presses the jewel in, each jewel different. They also note that Prince Benedict walks among them and presses jewels into the hilts of the pommel created by Alexandir Kos Korag, Fortunadas Enright, Carston Brak, and four other soldiers. Last of them is the Relmopator of Amber and Tesa. He holds each pommel tightly, and a red jewel flashes and he produces a small red stone to press in each. He then continues over to the reviewing stand to take up a snifter of brown whiskey.
As sunset comes the blades are completed. Each feel personal, a piece of the warrior. At that moment the compulsion ring seems to melt into the hand and their attentions realize it become part of them.   
Vulcan turns, smiling, brandishing his blade. “Soldiers of Rasak. Present your blades to the King of Rasak.” 
Benedict steps forward.  
“Soldiers. Serve Amber well and I shall always be proud of you. I trust your loyalty. Come forward by forge positions”  
As the people mover forward Benedict takes each blade, says a few words, gives it back and grips their wrists in the handshake of Rasak. They then walk on and fade away, returning to their lives as graduates.
As the walk up Vulcan steps near Relmopator and slips his own blade and sheath on Relmopator's belt. Whispering he says, “In case you want to fight two dagger, or you wish to speak to em.”
Relmopator steps up and hands his blade to Benedict.  
Ben says, “A rough crucible for you, Cousin. But you did well. With hope you will never need to die for Amber but I won't feel ashamed for melting the ring of compulsion into you just in case. You have challenges ahead. You will not speak of your time in Rasak casually, nor in depth to any except graduates. I will see you in Amber.”   
Relmopator feels like the last compulsion was to not respond but to walk off, finding himself in his apartment in the Dungeon of Amber. Gangdis sits by a barrel of mead and a table of food, smiling.  “So, how was that?”