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

====<big>Dealing with Dufiro</big>====

*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jurt leads way from the massive Fane of Zilla past the tent encampment into the merchant area. Weaving among the selling the refuse and treasures of shadows that wash up on the sea of the abyss an opening occurs and a massive tent rests in the center. The light is dark and everything is nearly black and white. Around it rove creatures of nightmare and fantasy dreams. Jurt walks into the crowds and they at first turn as if to fight or devour but then step back making a path to the tent's entrance. He turns, whispering... "ah... I may be a minor Lord of Chaos but they know where the profit lies" Stepping to the front a man in black formal wear steps up, bows, "How may we be of service, Lord?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jurt-"We come to bargain. We seek a broker of refinement. We do no come to deal in trifles. Souls are on the line"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer is having the time of his life, regardless of what his face or body express. He is still being cautious at they travel the Fane and the tent Bazaar, but he is reminded of many markets and bazaars of the past from various Shadows he lived in or visited; Realmer has always enjoyed wandering the market areas, observing the wares, the sellers, the buyers, and those who are neither. Realmer knows markets and knows how to be watchful and wary.... but he is still enjoying himself.
When Jurt approaches the massive tent, Realmer focuses his attention on those around it and those guarding it. When Jurt speaks to the person out front, Realmer looks him over, top to bottom then back up. Then he speaks to him.
"And please, do not waste our time."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The Tyler looks at Realmer then Jurt-"Lord, might i suggest a broker? an honest one, himself a Masoja Dufiro of Change. He has contacts across the Black Worlds. He would give you an extremely high price for such rare merchandise. Not just baubles but powers of War and fire.. Might I contact him so he may prepare a bargaining space?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jurt smiles, looks at Realmer, "Maybe, though, " reaching over to stroke Realmer's chin, "I doubt i would part with him today. I'm looking for a broker in Guard and Combat. I am also looking for someone who deals in Rage".
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He looks thoughtful..."thou teases me. AS you take the left ways find the sign of Calat of Cynsure..He is currently holding skins for Masoja of Guard, Combat, Rage and warfare. His Ava are numerous. His connections below that are vast.. "
Jurt, "Yes, Tyler, i shall seek him first and if we bargain I'll give him your respect. Otherwise we will seek the Ring Master. I know the way"
He nods, "Yes lord.. ah.. might i gossip? "
Jurt inhales, "Try"
"Word is that there will be a Progress of the King of Amber to Theldane to submit to High Lord Swayvil"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jurt nods"You know my lineage of course. The rumor i heard is that the King of Amber comes not to submit but to petition for a royal princess to make his second wife. My source is not familiar with the houses of Chaos so when he tells me that King Random wants a second wife of Helgram, Channicut, or Singaldon, i am not sure he is reliable. I am here to see if a Sawall wife might be available.. but.. Tyler, if you share that gossip, i will want my share in Elementals of fire. Agreed?'
Tyler-"Oh yes, Lord Jurt" .
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer watches the two banter and listens to the gossip with a blank face. Knowing that his medallion with the Crest of Amber emblazoned upon it is clearly visible, Realmer is careful what he says when he speaks.
"I can neither confirm nor deny this information, as not all from Amber are equally informed."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jurt sweeps in.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Leading in left and right along the way the massive tent is subdivided by fabric that barely restricts sound.
Reaching a large room, heavily draped with tapestries and fabric a man stands as Jurt enters. He is thin to the point of emaciated. A pair of tightly curled horns on his head.
"Yes, I am Calat. The Tyler sent you.. Shall i have my Servant blend us tea while we converse, Lord Jurt?
Jurt nods, "Yes, and bring three cups. This Relmopator of Amber and I brought him here to bargain. I have some needs but let us seek his first. I am sure you recognize him from the cards. He is seeking Guard and Defense. I will be looking for Elementals. He may bid his own prices but i shall vouch for them'
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer nods to Jurt then bows to Calat.
"Well met, Calat. I do seek Dufiro of Guard or Defense for a short term contract; something to protect me from the hazards of Chaos while I am visiting. Once my visit is concluded and that contract fulfilled, I may very well be seeking a much longer contract for the same Dufiro or another if needed. At that time I may also want to contract with a Combat Dufiro and a Knowledge Dufiro. But all of that will depend upon the outcome of the first contract. Thank you for your time and the offer of tea." Realmer bows again.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He nods, "Yes, I have a number of Guard and Combat. If it is chaos you sojourn in is a Masoja you need. As for the Knowledge Dufiro, they do not often contract with brokers such as I. You want a short term contract. I suggest Gazil and Risik, a mated pair of Guard and Combat. They work together for short to medium terms. Both are experienced in Chaos. Both have done work for me in Cynsure. they have a companion Ava of Blending that is serving them for mating reasons and will come with them. This pair is my best suggestion for the need you suggest. Shall you consider them?
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, that combination sounds almost too good to be true... certainly it will be expensive, in one fashion or another. And the addition of a Blending Dufiro... good for Sorcery and Artistry... excellent. Yes; I shall consider them; most highly. Thank you."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I thought a much;. Now, terms. I asume you will not be in Chaos more then a dozen turnings?"
Jurt nods.
"Then both have small terms.. You are an Amberite...This I know. Would you entertain enhancing their battle weapons by bearing them through a passage of the pattern of Amber?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"That sounds more like a long-term payment to me; but might be possible once the short term contract is fulfilled." Realmer smiles and counters with, "Perhaps some other Enhancements or Empowerments of a Sorcerous nature would be more appropriate? For a short term contract."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Really? do you think a minor sorcerer of Amber knows more then great sorcerers of Chaos? Let us set the passage as a long term possibilities. "
He makes a small handsign tapping the table. Stands and steps away.
Jurt" The tapping is sort of their way of saying, Let me speak to my Client. You may do it and it means, I need to check my money purse. you see?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, I understand. And since he is away.." Realmer looks about to make sure; "Is what he is asking reasonable? I feel he is asking a bit much. And I know I did under offer, but isn't that how haggling is done?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jurt-"Ya, the passage is a big deal.. Passage through the Logrus is a common payment for Masoja. But they are mighty... its borderline. I think you could defend the passage to random, but it would really depend on what powers their war weapons have."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He comes back with a small woman with green hair and a rather horsey face.
"My Lord, Lord Jurt, This is Kala Kala, she is the Blender Ava i spoke of. She requests to enter this bargaining if possible.'
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"By all means" Realmer says. "Well met, Kala Kala, I am Lord Relmopator of Amber." He bows to her.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She inclines her head. "I am aiding in the blending of two Masoja, Combat and guard, as they seek to procreate. I am aided by spirits of Combat,Guard, Defense and Cleanliness. As well as Ava of Cleanliness. My powers can help the two generate 10 Elementals of fire and earth, as is their origins and one Ava Dufirosim of Guard as is their desire. Lord Jurt, you understand?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jurt nods, "Yes, advanced grade.. Nice work.. "
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Kala-"If you were willing to participate in the perpetration of the waters and oils, chant the rites of blending with me, and sanctified the blending with a reading of the Book of the Serpent, and witness the joining, and.. acknowledge in the Tome of Summoning of this Ava of Guard, it parents would be willing to serve in Chaos and realms as far as Cynsure for 50 Turnings of chaos"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jurt chuckles
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer turns to Jurt and asks, "So is she asking for a three-some... four-some, with me or you?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.''' jurt chuckles again, chucking your shoulder-"Only magically... Its actually a pretty gutsy suggestion. Kala, this is your suggestion? When you complete this let us speak. ITs not so much asking you to engage is messy hankypanky as it is as asking to be the ava Guard's godfather "
Pointing a finger at Kala-"And you know it too. 200 Turnings as far as the Dungeons of Amber and right of Summoning for the Ava Guard child for the course of its life"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The broker steps back.. Kala leans forward, " Sign the Summoning Book in blood. And I'll include service of a Fire Elemental and an Earth Elemental till each is mature and ready to transition to spirit races. One would hope by then he would be generous in providing for their spirit rituals?""
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jurt nods, "Of course! My companion is by no means cheap. After years of elemental service they would be like his own children.. well, slow neighbor's children at least."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Kala looks to Realmer, "Is the Lord of Chaos your broker in this?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks from Kala Kala to Jurt then back again. He taps the table twice without responding and looks to Jurt. Not knowing if the custom is for the one asking for 'a moment to confer' to leave the table, as he saw Calat do earlier, he awaits Jurt's lead.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jurt steps away from the table out of suspected hearing range.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"OK. So this is a bit more complicated and involved than I thought it would be... now I understood every word she and you said, but to be honest I only understood about a third of what was said. I am a little confused... somehow I thought I would be bargaining for Spirits that would inhabit an Artifact or two... not physical beings in the process of mating, wanting me to be a Godfather to one or more offspring and to... raise two offspring... is that right? So, lay it out for me straight, Jurt; what I am getting into? And what is it going to cost me?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"The bargaining is for two Masoja to provide visible defense while in Chaos. Kala here however is involved in the two procreating. Blenders often act to make it easier for Dufiro to jump their progeny over the elemental stage. Kala is helping them also jump their child at creation to jump Spirit ranks as well, and that is likely to have the side effect of creating fire and earth elements. To do so she is creating a very complicated ritual. As you know rituals are about combinations of aspects. BY helping with the ritual you lend your psyche essence to help make her dangerously complicated ritual more likely to succeed. And she was hoping you would help on the cheap. 50 turns."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"How long is a Turn in Amber Years?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"My suggestion is 200 turns anywhere in Amber and shadow. Plus,the ability to summon the Ava for its whole life. Summoning does not mean it will necessarily do anything, just that you cold call it and bargain with it."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
a turn? Hours, Centuries..Its chaos.. 200 turns would be in the range of 10 amber years'
*'''Michael James Watson'''
the broker leans in, "Amberite, bargain for Dufiro is as much about relationships as it is mercantilism. I am brokering a first meeting. In the future you may be able to contact them directly. familiarity means different deals, you do not know these Masoja, so they bargain hard
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer bows to Jurt then the broker. "Thank you both for your sage advice and counsel. I hope no offense was taken for my need to leave the bargaining table for a moment. We shall return presently."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jurt nods. "Dufiro bargain for power and influence to raise their status and power, to build themselves better. In time they have to apply to different races to gain the right to perform racial rights. developing good contacts, such as a Lord of Sawall or a Lord of Amber, shows them to be worthy of the next race they join..
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Kala nods, "You name on their summoning book means anyone who calls them must read that they have dealt with you"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I see. A way to advance oneself in power and status. So it is as much a reflection on me as it is on them that we have bargained together for power. Fascinating."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, I believe we can continue now." Realmer returns to the table with Jurt and sits. "In answer to your question, Kala Kala; Yes, Jurt does act as my Broker in this matter as he is more knowledgeable than I in the matters of Dufiro... and certainly more skilled at bargaining. He knows my needs and my ability to make payment. But let us be clear... most of the contract will be spent away from Chaos and mostly in the area of Amber... most likely. I hope that is acceptable. Also I ask, Kala Kala, are your services and skills on the table for the long term deal as well, or just the short term deal? As I understand it, a Blending Ava would greatly compliment my skills in Sorcery and Trump Artistry."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Kala nods, "my services are bound to the the blending but once complete i would be eager to make further deals. I would not accompany the Masoja as they serve their contract save when the ritual of blending is held. In point of fact the ritual would be held in the next 3 turns anyway. Afterwards they will have their progeny, a collection of pet Elementals, and i would have my pay. Your involvement would require little time, just the ritual to be held in the realms of the Dufirosim. After the ritual they would have their child, i my pay, you their service and a pair of your own pet Elementals. "
Jurt-"Not signed in blood. Signed in your blood, Kala. So, 200 turns to include Chaos and Shadow. 2 Elementals service till mature. for involvement in the ritual to include mixing water and oil, singing a stanza of the rite, reading from the Book of the Serpent, and witnessing the creating. Then signing the Summoning Book, in your blood. And of course, you pay your broker as Lord Realmer pays his." Jurt motions for you to lick your hand and offer to shake hers to seal the deal.
Kala licks her hand and extends it.

*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer licks his hand and takes Kala Kala's hand and shakes firmly.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She removes a silver card and hands it to you. "This will glow and open when the ritual is ready. I shall had the Masoja at the entrance of this tent when you leave. Shall we agree to deal further after the ritual?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, Kala Kala, that is most agreeable." He takes the silver card and slips it into a hidden pocket in the fold of his Robes. "Until then. Thank you for your services." Realmer bows to her.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Oh, one final question; how long after the ritual before the offspring are produced?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jurt says for Kala, "Instantly"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Kala-"You may have Gazil and Risik embed in any artifact you wish but i recommend you use them as they are."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Since it is a short-term contract for a short visit, perhaps it would be best to use them as they are. Though I will defer to the counsel of my broker."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jurt have to see them but its a 50/50 thing.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
the deal being concluded Jurt leaves and walks back the way he came. Looking into room left and right other deals are being done. Jurt seems to not want to tarry
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer follow Jurt, now that his business is concluded.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
reaching the entrance in the open area to the east is Kala. With here is a pair of creatures. She introduces them as Gazil and Risik


*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jurt nods, looking satisfied. "Well, yes...They will do indeed"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer nods his head as he looks the pair over.
"I agree. Gazil. Risik. I am Lord Relmopator of Amber."
He bows to the pair.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jasra has been unusually quiet, now looks them over with great interest
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Rasik, "Greetings Lord, Command and demand and we shall perform. I walk to a side, Gazil should walk behind. "
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jasra-"They wear horns of Hendrake. Have you both served a Hendrake Lord?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Risik look to Realmer, " Does this traitor serve you? Is it required we speak to her?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jurt laughs. Jasra scowls murder
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer turns to Risik and says, "No, she does not serve me. But we are traveling together. And yes, you do have to answer her questions. Honestly and politely."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
he nods, "Then may i recommend i stand between you and her? And my partner stand behind her? We served the Hellmaid Anahulik, a princess of Hendrake."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"As you see fit to protect and guard me and mine, Risik. And I also accompany Lord Jurt. And the Beholder is my familiar. Now you know who is a part of my circle."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He nods. She has not spoken...
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Lord Jurt, I believe my business is done here. I am at your leave. Where you lead, I will follow. As you advise, I will heed. These are your peoples and your customs and I am a stranger in a strange land. Let the adventure continue."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"We cross over"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jurt lead the way to the edge of the abyss. There many thousands of people wait as whispies some and go across the Abyss. There are lines and guards and customs people and warriors in guarding positions...
Jurt walks past them and aside to the very edge of the abyss, as many of the people watch..
A puffy cloud comes out of the Stuff of Chaos. The guards and spectators realize a Lord summons it.
As it reaches the edge Jurt steps out onto it, followed by Jasra. The Dufiro wait for you"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer steps onto the cloud last motioning for the Dufiro to follow. Should the cloud fail to hold Realmer, his Robe does have Flight Capability. (LOL)