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

====<big>Random's Poker Game and Family Talk</big>====


Realmer sits at the table, in the Cafe in Vienna, for a minute or two, contemplating all that Dworkin has told him. Grandmother, Father, Mother, the Adask, Family Madness, Primal Beings, Fey Powers, Paragon, the Pattern, the Jewel.... He knows he has much to do and most likely little time to do it in, so he deems it best to get started immediately and not delay any longer. He knows that now, more than ever in his life, he must be viewed as less dark and sinister, more fair and even and he must be taken more seriously and his words must have more weight.

[NOTE TO GM: I have one (1) unused pip from the previous Advancement, I would like to use it now to 'buy off' the one (1) pip of Bad Stuff, bringing Realmer's Stuff to Zero (0).]

Before rising from the table Realmer looks around casually, as though enjoying the ambiance of the cafe, but really he is looking at anyone displaying currency; best to know what it looks like here in case Grandfather stiffed Realmer with the Bill. Upon rising, with a nudge of Advanced Pattern, Realmer finds HIS wallet stuffed with local monies under the table. He bends and picks it up then moves towards the door leading to the street, the one he saw Lewis and David exit through. If he is asked to settle the bill, he will do so without comment.
As he strolls the streets of Vienna, he makes subtle changes to the way he thinks, taking a wider view of things, less self centered, taking into account all he has learned recently. As he strolls he also shifts his garb to look a bit more suited to Amber style, but still keeping with the 'feel' of Vienna about him... and still sticking to his dark colors as they compliment his natural skin tones and hair color. His Bone Wand slips from his sleeve and becomes a stylish walking stick of polished wood and metal with no macabre designs present. Satura's Ring becomes a mithril Signet Ring bearing a stone arch with a stylized 'R' in its center. As a final touch Realmer mentally tells Bob to always appear as a White Raven and never as a Beholder unless Realmer specifically requests it. And once away from people, Realmer will have Bob become visible, as the White Raven, and perch upon his left shoulder as Realmer draws out the Trump for King Random and makes his call. "Hello Carly. Is King Random available to take my call?"

*'''Michael James Watson'''
hehe... one talk with Dworkin and there is a sudden emergency pip transfer to fix bad luck!!! hehe... That comment alone is almost worth a GM laughed pip.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
I had the pip and had been considering getting rid of Bad Stuff anyway, this is just fun timing.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
if the GM laughed pip should appear, it will definitely go to Good Stuff. LOL
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Yes. Realmer.. His Majesty has left a standing message with me. I'm to pass you a envelope." She picks up a silver box and sorts out an envelope. Many other envelopes are in the box with it, presumably unhurried messages.
Opening the envelop are three Trumps.
the Note says, "When you call Carly will give me a moment to slip away. I am at Atadrezy. Outside my friend Athos will meet you"


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer accepts the envelope and says, "Thank you, Carly." Then breaks the contact. When he sees the Trumps and reads the note he slips the note and the Trumps of Athos and the Camp away in pocket and studies the Trump of Atadrezy.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The trump opens into a wooded glade under a blue and cloudy sky a hint of rain in the air. The building ahead looks like a fancy stone and polished wood lodge. Spacious seeming from the outside. Several horses in the covered stable at the front eat hay. one is a striped horse of the breed Benedict favors. To another side is a spacious workshop that has a dozen anvils and forges. On the other side is a woodworking shop including a mill-saw. Looking behind the point of arrival is a massive lake with forest covered hills and snow capped mountains across from it. Near the water is a dock with several boats. also nearby is an archery range with man-shaped targets.. Near it is a skinnery with dressed hides. A smoke house is beside it.
At the stairs is a man in cavalier attire doing rapier practice on a swinging dummy. He fights "case'-double handed. Seeing you he sheaths both in a flourish and walk to few paces toward you, pulling his hat in place..
"You will be Realmer. Bleys and Vance i know..and the three of you are the only ones expected. I'm Athos de Paris, I'm to oversee weapons and artifacts of a potent nature while you are in the Kings presence. Now, you may stand where you are and transport them elsewhere if you like. I'm told you may retain a dog and a green jewel."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I assume the dog is your bird there?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, the bird is my 'dog'. And please take great care with these" he says as he begins handing over items, starting with the walking stick and signet ring, "some of them are rather possessive and protective." Then he hands over the Mandalay Stones in a small pouch, a pouch of Ice Marbles and two long bladed swords which he pulls out of the pockets of his jacket; the swords do not match.
"That is all I have. The Jewel will remain hidden and safe. Can I assume a Trump Deck is allowed?" Realmer asks as he tentatively reaches for an inside pocket of his jacket.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Yes, though its not the kind of deck they have up there." He examines the items and passes them back.
"He's in a mood. Made me check Benedict for hidden cards."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"A Poker Game, I will assume" he says with a chuckle.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Well it would be awkward if they were dancing."
He leads the way in.
"You have not been here so follow me. Vance and Bleys can find their own way in. Coats just in the door. "
He leads through several rooms of exquisite design in the log cabin motif to a gran central room. Benedict and Random sip drinks at the conversation area. Galvar is reading a book in the corner.
'Realmer! Excellent!! Its good to see you. Come let me pour you something and lets talk, Bleys and Vance are on their way picking up necessaries.
you notice Arloxedra and Martin in a side room looking over maps on a big table. Arlo looks up, nods, martin follows suit and they go back to their map"


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer smiles and approaches Random and says, "Scotch. Double. On the rocks. And one of those cigars Benedict favors; if you have any. Normally I'd say, 'forgive the intrusion', but this definitely feels like an invitation. To what do I owe the honor of a seat at one of King Random's Infamous Poker Games?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Benedict stands and hands a cigar over as Random pours a drink. Ben says, "because that stunt you and Jurt pulled in Sawall Way got Despil pulled as Ambassador of Chaos to Amber and replaced by Maylon Hendrake and she is coming with a cohort of Hellmaidens we have to find rooms for in the Ambassador's wing. Random decided if he was going to put you on the rack for a decade doing it here in nasty Place would at least not take you out of play back in Amber."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Athos snickers, hanging his blade frog on a hook.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Random hands the glass over-"Not a decade.. and metaphorically and conversationally.. nothing Gothic. I assume you have a few questions for me before the rest of the table fills up and I invite the last guest?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer takes the cigar and lights it with a Cantrip and inhales deeply. After exhaling he takes the glass and sips the scotch and savors the flavor of both, as though he is about to spend the next decade in the Hell that Benedict Built called, Nasty Place.
"Several favors to ask, to be specific and to the point. I'm already familiar with most variation of Poker; I made sure to learn as many as I could shortly after arriving in Amber. As to the favors, again I will get to the point. Dworkin has requested permission for two men to attend the Academy at Fantalin; David, his grandson by Vincent, and Lewis, a friend and talented Sorcerer. He has also requested that I escort them personally."
Realmer takes a puff then continues. "David has put together a 'band of Lawmen', his own words, and can gather 200 or more mounted gunslingers that travel the Jewel Road to off set the gang headed to Azcala to band together with them. David would like to meet with you to discuss his proposal regarding his 'wild bunch'."
Realmer takes a sip this time, to whet his lips then continues. "Then there is the matter of Nina and Emilie and their husbands. Though they feel included, they don't feel included. Nina asks more for them; not just gestures. She asks for seats at the council table for them all and for Nina and her sister to walk the Pattern in Amber. I share Grandfather's and your concerns about either walking the Pattern, but if it must occur; Nina. I also share your concerns about the loyalty of your brothers to Amber, but I may have a solution to that as well... but let that topic sit for a moment, my final favors; mine."
Realmer takes a puff and a sip at the same time and savors them both then swallows and exhales. "First, I would like to see my sisters; I believe both are in service to the Queen of Amber, your wife. I said I would check in on them, and I intend to. Second, I would like permission to assay the Pattern before leaving on the Progress with you and the rest; I think a fresh Imprint for me and a more 'updated copy' of my persona for the Pattern would be called for considering I am to protect you and if I die there is a fresh copy of me left behind. And the biggest part of my favor... I'd like to walk the Primal Pattern."
Realmer finishes his drink and walks to the bar and get himself a refill then says. "I will be happy to debate the particulars of each, if you like, and why I recommend such courses of action."
Realmer takes a deep puff and takes a seat in am overstuffed chair and tells Bob to roost amongst the rafters.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Oh, and one final favor, for everyone involved; if Vincent is ready to walk the Pattern, please let him. I will be there if and when it ever happens and I will support him in any way I can and safeguard the Pattern and Amber as I have sworn."
All said through the exhales haze of multicolored smoke.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben its and refills his glass, an uncharacteristic thing for him to have more then a courtesy splash in his glass.
Bleys enters hearing-"Dave Mather in Fantalin? and Lewis Carroll from Vincent's world, Gallaras galleries? Dave leading a posse against Azcala? The Adagalask Four? And frigging' Maylon Hendrake again? Damn...that's a lot to take in so fast and so sober...."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Then I suggest you start drinking hard, I'm sure there will be more."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He heads to the bar and pull out gin.
Random nods, "Well, lets take those in order. Dworkin can make his own requests. Fantalin is a public institution and if Dave and Lewis can find it and pay the tuition then its none of my business if the attend. Aries will be delighted. He has been wanting another Madwand at Fantalin for decades. as for this Posse, I've not met this man.. Whats your opinion of him?"
Bleys says, "I know him. gunfighter and a good one. Fast, even for an Amberite. Not sure what shadow Vincent sired him but i ran into him in a earthworld in a cow age, the Mc Hood realms. Lawman and criminal as is the style in such worlds. Gambler too..good one. Cold blooded and pragmatic. If he says he has put together a warband it will be a messy one"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"David had heard I was involved in Hagalta's ousting and called it good works. He seems devoted, strong willed, and set on taking his wild bunch against the Gang of Stalwarts working with Azcala, regardless of whether you approve or not. But I feel you could use a force of men like what he offers; specialized cavalry and foot soldier and long distance sniper all in one... and he is offering 200 plus. I suggest you at least meet with him and discuss his offer."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Random looks at Ben who nods.
Ben-"It is reasonable to include Julian in council. He's a king now and whatever we may think of his departure, or Caine's, and their wives, we want Adagalasck, minor as it is, on our side, especially if we can sway the Azcalan Adask. My sources say the Adask may form a tenth of their standing military realm-wise. Besides, Adagalask was forged by Oberon..whatever its purpose, that is over now. "
Bleys agrees, "And we have bigger problems then friggin Julian and Caine on a walkabout. Though Caine has sources we need to connect with since we have no real spymaster any longer.."
Ran sips for a thoughtful moment.
"Alright. Julian and Nina an come to court. If Julian offers to swear fealty for Adagalasck as a fief of Amber, ill take it. Nina can then walk any pattern but the primal. If he asks for Golden Circle status...I'll agree to have the diplomats start hashing out the documents and in the mean time my signature will be contingent on his behavior leading his forces on our own Bataan death march to Chaos. I plan to piss on as many Azcalan pyramids as I can before i get to the Abyss and we will see if Tonacat wants to go to the mattress. As for Hagalta, lets stick a pin in that and circle back to him"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"As for Mathers, I'll speak to him. Can't hurt. Did he suggest a place?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
ran-"As for your sisters, Dwynwen is a lady in waiting, or rather a lady in weeping. She is part of a cadre of noble ladies i desperately try to avoid and even Flora rolls her eyes about. Weepy, sentimental, overly dramatic, and boring. They adore her of course as a confusingly related Amberite. The other, Drixtra, ah......"
Ben and Bleys look at each other and chuckle..
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"In regards to David and Lewis, I would like to take personal responsibility for them and personally request their admission to Fantalin and I will gladly cover any costs for both. Your blessing would be appreciated, Majesty; I know it would mean a lot to both of them, and at a time like this, you and the kingdom can use all the allies it can get and from all corners of creation possible. I feel both could be great potential allies."
"I will contact Nina after the Poker Game and let her know she and I need to talk with her husband. I am sure you will be getting a Trump call from Julian shortly there after."
"David said he would be riding the Jeweled Road headed towards Diega Raks. I have to way to contact him and arrange a meeting place...Bob up there got a good look at him and will Trump contact him when you're ready. And what's up with Drixtra? Not fitting in? Didn't figure she would. What's the story?"
Realmer looks from Ben to Bleys then back to Random.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Galvar steps over, scowling at Bleys and Ben, "Uncles you may be, but I shall knock either one of you to the ground if you speak unkindly of Drixtra in my presence. She has made mistakes, out of misunderstanding. But if the queen can forgive her it is a unkind thing to speak ill of her behind her back or in front of her champion."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben looks at Galvar and nods, in almost embarrassment.
Bleys, chuckles again, "Well, Realmer, she tried to fit in random and Vielles bed and had enough pheromones wafting off her that it took both a concerted effort not to complete a wide variety of breaches of Oberon's Consanguinity Laws.. oh,, But you changed those didn't you Random.. so.. all good. Calm down Big guy..She's a sweety and I'm glad she put a smile on your face. But shes become friends with Helene and the Uriens so expect company some night."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bleys raises his drink, and fast as a snake Galvar grips his collar, raises him, and punches him solidly in the nose.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer raises an eyebrow and listens intently, then smiles broadly as Galvar punches Bleys in the face... Realmer has always wanted to as well, for some reason.
"Well, I'm sure she was just as embarrassed by the event as the king and queen... once things were explained to her. And I would suggest you follow Benedict's example and be more forgiving and less gossip mongering, Bleys."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Athos starts laughing spilling his drink. Ben leaps up and puts his hands on Galvar in a firmly unforgiving manner.
Random stands and points a finger at Bleys as he stands and pulls a fighting knife to his hand. "Stop...You mouthed off, he popped you, lets call it even or by the Unicorn's teat I'll put you in the cell next to Brand's!"
Bleys looks at Random, pissed. Galvar looks at Bleys smiling.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bleys scowls after your comment and turns to speak softly to Random-"She is one Adask fey, random. One..Look what she did to your bodyguard? Another has beguiled a collection of gossipy noble wives with delusions of grandeur and ancient pedigrees and incidentally, patents of nobility and access to Amber's bank accounts. Now we are inviting two more and their puppies? They have this one asking favors for them now too? We are going to have to watch the whole army if it takes shore leave in Adagalask. Some threats to the throne come in soft clothes. "
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Arlo and Martin come in with look of surprise on their faces at the sudden fisticuffs
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Galvar-"You would know of threats in soft clothes and empty bottles, wouldn't you, Uncle?"
Bleys throws a quick frown and a chuckle at Galvar before turning back to Random, raising his hands in submission
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer stands suddenly and glares at Bleys, but when he speaks there is no anger in his voice, only determination.
"THIS ONE asking favors for THEM!? Them being me as well, Cousin. I am Adask, and I am asking favors for all of my Racial Kind, favors that will benefit Amber. Let me ask you a question.... let me ask you ALL a question. And please, do NOT mistake it for a threat in any way, it is just a question to ponder. Would you rather have the majority, if not all, of the Adask as allies, defending Amber, or would you prefer them as enemies?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben looks to Random, "This is exactly why Oberon sealed Nina and Emile up in the first place. Random, the Adask are passionate and Oberon was too close to their origins to have them in Amber. Random, times have changed and they are not Abyssals anymore. And we are no longer powerlessly hiding behind Oberon. We need to make arrangements for the betterment of the Kingdom. Including dealing with Nina, Emile, Hagalta and Satura and their three children. We have bigger problems"
Bleys picks up his glass and refills it. "I said my piece."
Random-"Athos, take Bleys to the Archery range and see that he puts 500 shafts in the butts before you bring him back"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
and scene-Act 1
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Arlo walks in closer, coughing politely into the awkward silence as Bleys is lead from the room by Athos.
Arlo-"ah.. Realmer posses an interesting question. Do we want to secure the Adask in some substantial fashion? and the Adask are not the only ones to consider. The Progress has raised a lot of hopes out there. We asked Rebma and Thelusia if they wanted to send troops with us and they did. Unasked, the kingdoms of Diega, Kashfa, and Garsarat have all but emptied their military into waymets along the Jeweled road waiting, as their representatives have told us, for the Progress to reach them so they can join.. i spoke with Randal Kylan at Rue Katal and he says waymets from here to Chaos are filling with troops ready to join the march to curry favor with Amber. every road bandit from here to Chaos is fleeing a far as their shadow can let them from this force. Some kingdoms along the way are already fighting known detractors of Amber in the hope that a few pelts will please us. Fortunadas tells me that our hiring a quarter million foot soldiers from their Army ranks, 20k adventurers, and the entire body of 2000 oliphant teams has pissed off the million and a half we didn't invite and they may come along on their own. Money to be had, ya know. CHAD has always had some discipline problems. "
Random starts to speak but Arlo raises a finger in a battlesign and he stops. Moments pass
Arlo continues-"The thing that Realmer brings up, that I'm going to have to echo, is do we want to accept or offend a number of peoples across shadow. Adask, of course, have family issues in Amber but so does Kashfa, Rebma, Regor, and friggin Italy. Giovanni is raising a cadre of 30k Italian codderatti, unseated a pope, declared himself Potifex in your birth world. There is the Mer, not just the Rebma Mer, that might want whatever deal we give the Adask. Marke, Tulkus, Fingolfin and Turgon are assembling a force of elves, and Elven races across shadow will fall in line behind that. So we will have Elves across shadow to consider. '
Bleys walks back in followed by Athos. "Ya, I got a trump call from a friend that is part of the Warrior Core on Gesheka. Their gladiator association interacts with warrior Core on 50 or more worlds. He tells me that Lords of the Games on all those worlds are considering which side to take, ours or Azcala. Or Regor's; who apparently quietly raising troops. That means there are 750 Lords of the Games who may raise troops among already trained fighters in the Warrior Core methods. That might mean as many at 750,000 warriors that might split in any mix of three parts and start fighting each other right on the Jeweled Road. Mysterious Dave Mathers and his gun thugs will be seriously outnumbered. We should decide if we want them to do that or if we want to outright hire them? "
Random raises a hand..telling people to give him a second. He puts his face in his hands.
"Somedays I'm not a fan of the Unicorn.. don't tell her."
Random looks at Athos. "500 arrow, right?" Athos nods. "Took him longer to sink the arrowheads in the dirt then to shoot the arrows." Random nods.
Bleys looks to Realmer, "OK, I handled that badly. I may owe you an apology. maybe..
He turns to Random, "We know that Drixtra effected you and Vielle with pheromones and she had no idea she was doing it. So its a racial thing. Maybe there is a vaccine or a counter agent? That would be a Vance thing. Put Star Fleet on the job creating a anti-pheromone thing. Sounds up his ally, doesn't it? As for the Adask race, we will never convince all of any race to do anything as a race, so we are talking tribes. Do we want the Adask of Adagalasck, and those in the realms near Amber? Yes. Do we want to subvert the Azcalan Adask, yes. Beyond that, its a case by case basis, isn't it? "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
“Yes, Bleys, you did handle it badly and you do owe me an apology. No mumbled maybes about it.”
Realmer maintains a level gaze at Bleys for a few moments then he snorts out a little laugh and smiles then says, “Though I must admit, I do see you how you could, how all of you could, view it as humorous... in that inappropriate, tongue-in-cheek sort of way... I was raised as a human after all, despite being Adask.”
Realmer pulls Kevin from his pocket when he feels him stir from another of his long naps. He places him on the floor and lets him have the run of the place. He then gulps down the rest of his scotch and moves to the bar for a refill, he puffs on his cigar idly as he does so.
“And since the matter has been broached, let us discuss what happened with Drixtra and what happened to Julian and Caine, or more specifically, the Adask and their Powers. First, I don't think your anti-pheromone potion will do any good because I don't believe what happened was purely a pheromonal attraction. I believe it was something else, something linked to the Fey Powers of the Adask. Now, because I was raised as a Human, I have only recently become aware of the Powers the Adask Fey possess; powers that have been locked to me. Had I grown up with those powers with full knowledge of how to use them, when I came to Amber I may well have used my powers in a similar fashion as Nina and Emilie to gain a foothold in Amber, being a newcomer. And if I were raised within the Adask Culture, and if my powers were latent and undisciplined, as I feel they are in Drixtra and most Adask, then I might have made similar choices and used my powers, wittingly or unwittingly, to gain position and favor.”
“One of their powers is called The Bonding and it is powerful; it affects romantic liaisons, marriages, oaths, fealty, contracts... you get the idea. It is my intent, after taking care of presently discussed business and walking the Pattern, to unlock those powers within myself to better understand the Adask and myself. But moreover, to find a way to bring the Adask People and the People of Amber together for mutual benefit. And to find a way to release Julian and Caine from their Bond, if it exists, and let them truly decide where their hearts and loyalties lay.”
“To that end, I would like to commute my sentence in Nasty Place in lieu of a self-imposed quest to unlock my Adask Fey Powers so that I may undo what has been done and set things right between the Adask of Adagalasck and Amber. And by the way, I really shouldn't be blamed for being in the wrong place at the right time; Jurt was planning the robbery anyway and I just happened to be there when he did it. But had I not been there certain benefits would not have been gained for Amber... somebody else might have gotten those benefits, perhaps even an enemy. And somehow, I get the feeling, Despil would have been replaced anyways... the incident was just a convenient reason.”
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Random looks to Bleys then Ben.
Ben, "The Adask are not estranged from Amber, per se. More along the line of them being a common race outside the Golden Circle. Out of most the Amber Sway. They are unknown in most the Shade Realms. That Dworkin kept his Adask line from Amber has meant that the shadow reverberations of them have been few. As our interactions with them have been few."
He sips his drink and withdraws another cigar. Some note lately he has been drinking and smoking more then in the past.
"None of you were alive at the time, save for Arlo and he was unknown to us. The arrival of Nina and Emile was quite a surprise. Gerard was a child of 9 and he adored them. Many of us were dour, and serious. I was the life of the party till they arrived. Elfwyne, Eric, Corwin, Deirdre, Caine, Julian and myself were in Amber. Evelyn was in her manor outside Ober but i don't remember her coming to Amber during the 3 years Nina and Emile were there. Borlak had been banished. Orosolla had disappeared. Hamilton and Oberon had been arguing on the sight of each other for almost 200 years and it was around then he took to handling Amber's military issues out in the Golden Circle. He has rarely been to Amber since. "
"Then they were here. Young, passionate, funny, exciting, exotic. None of us were immune. But Julian and Caine fell hard. When they did the girls seemed suddenly.....less interesting. If this Bonding is specific, maybe its a focused effect. Its worth looking into. "
Random nods, "Its worth understanding.. Realmer, i can't let you walk the primal now. Frankly I'm not letting anyone. Now if people break their way in, that's different and it will piss me off. Clearly with the Adask line suddenly in Amber; you, Dwynwen, Drixtra, even Hagalta, its worth knowing whatever you can learn. Be about it at your leisure. keep in touch. However, i will want you on the road at some point. Why don't you arrange the meeting with Mather at Diega Raks and meet us there. While I'll make some deal with him, since we do need troops of whatever description its mainly to meet those of the Vincent line. To the best of my knowledge none have walked any of the major patterns unless Dworkin snuck them in. Neither the Vincent line or the Verna lines appear in Maylon Hendrake's original Heirs and Spares document . Vincent is listed as a suicide and Verna is not mentioned at all. Before Maylon presented this to me my knowledge of the family was extraordinarily, dangerously limited. Once you came to Amber, well, Dworkin came clean on some of it. "
Arlo-"Oberon knew all of this and he had no belief he needed to tell his children about their siblings, little lone their cousins. My father knew a few of the First Brood, as did Benedict, but it wasn't till Maylon delivered her veiled threat and the family genealogy, back in 5225 that we knew so many of Oberon's children and kin."
Bleys, "Veiled?! she said (mimicking an icy woman's voice perfectly, as if he was playing a recording of someone else) "Bear witness that the blood of Amber is thinnest here. It is mightier yet in Chaos where bone warriors and Lords of Chaos course the blood of Oberon in their veins. The First Brood wait in Shadow to devour you, young king. When the effeminate princelings and slut princesses wish to suckle the Lords of Great Chaos to save their lives, I shall be waiting. Till then, guard your arses, mind your manners, and keep this black bitch dog out of my way" (stopping the mimic) At that point Gerard and Benedict barely restrained Doria and her soul-sucking blade from slitting Maylon's throat. I've long thought we should have let her lose and apologized to Chaos and Hendrake afterwards.'
Martin-'A lost opportunity to be sure. And we have some of that blood in Amber now. Jurt of the Voya line, Vek and Shaz Far of the experimental line. Not to mention Maylon's sisters Doria and Yalla, and somewhere in Shadow Desri, who is nominally on our side. Despil is essentially in exile here now and I think with Jurt and Realmer and Despil, Vek and Shaz Far and their knowledge of the ground in Chaos we should green light Despil's plan. If Maylon is in Amber when it happens maybe Doria can finally ice her."
Ran-"Son, I know you have more reason to hate Maylon then most of us but I've got a progress to Chaos and there may be another way. You and Doria will have to wait. Realmer... Lets pull the pin so to speak on Hagalta... You have news?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer sighs, takes a sip of scotch then draws on his cigar, he speaks as he exhales the multicolored smoke.
"Yes, I know where he is... or was most recently. He is at the Fane of Zilla hiding out at the Shrine to Satura. He mentioned that his other son, Xorax, was also in Chaos. While there he withdrew a red crystal of many shapes. He moved over to Jurt and showed it to him. Jurt looked at it like a dead cat. He said: 'This is Azcalan artwork?....no....sorcery.,....hmm. Ritual sorcery...ritual sacrifice...It howls....it feels abyssal in a way but...different....What is it?' Hagalta never answered, just walked away, as I had asked him to before he revealed the crystal. Also, after talking with Grandfather, I found out that the Family Madness runs deep in him."
Realmer takes a drink and savors the flavor before swallowing.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Random-" He is a force but do you think he is beyond the power of the assembled lord here to control?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"He has been defeated before, so he can be again, but I do not think he could be 'controlled' for long. He is angry and power mad, and I believe it is all tied in with his love of my mother. If anyone, short of a Primal Being, can control Hagalta, it would be Satura, through his love of her. But she is weak and fractured and I don't think she could do it in her condition. Honestly, I think it best his Powers be stripped from him, in some way... but even that may not be enough. It is possible that only death will stop him from continually waging war on Amber."
Realmer sighs and says "Grandfather thinks there might be another way in dealing with Hagalta, but did not elaborate. I don't think he is right though, but Grandfather knows my Father better than I."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bleys "blahblahblahblah...so... yes?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, Bleys, I believe Hagalta to be uncontrollable."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben steps up, "What the king means is do you think Hagalta, could defeat Bleys, Arlo, Athos, Martin, yourself, myself, and himself combined if he were, say, in this room"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Thank you for making it clear, Lord Marshall. I believe we all here could defeat him. BUT... not knowing the powers of the red crystal he possesses, I am not sure how easy or difficult it would be."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben-"Overwatch. " Bob emits a little shriek and if possible pees a little when a figure is suddenly in the highest rafters and he hadn't noticed it.
Doria-"Ready sir. " The black haired woman cradles a short-barreled .50cal m82 rifle with a green laser sight and a 30 round clip. She makes a kiss at bob. The green line marks a point on the ground. Random walks up to it..Puts his clenched hand in the green light.
ran-"Realmer, would you say my fist is about where his head would be if he was standing on this spot?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"A little higher perhaps, but yes." Realmer watches with macabre interest as he wonders if Random's hand is about to become splatter on everyone in the room.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Rand steps back. "Ben?"
Ben-"doing it now.. Low Order Magic blocked.. High Order Magic blocked unless its funneled through pattern magic. No unanointed items or artifacts work. Since each of us had our equipment handled by Athos earlier they will all function. Nothing he has on him should but i can't say for sure. "
Ran pulls the jewel of Judgment out, focuses on it Arlo comes over and rests a hand on it, focusing.
Bleys steps back, "He has a card in your deck, Realmer. Call him. Bring him through'
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer does not bother to reach for his Deck, instead puffing on his cigar and contemplating what is about to happen.
"Grandfather said he has been trying to contact him for a while now but cannot get through. What makes you think I will succeed where Dworkin failed?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bleys-"He wants to talk to you. He's been lighting candles at your alcove, but if this crowd showed up at Zilla all hell would break lose and since hell is literally right next to the place it wouldn't have far to go. Don't think of this as an assassination. Think of it as a conversation from a point of strength. If he can't be reasoned with, he can't be allowed to use his death curse."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben-"Its not an assassination.. We just have to control where we speak to him. There is too much at stake. Besides, he was seen in visions from the Oracle of Night. Mine, Vance's and Random's. he just has to know we are not fucking around."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Vance walks in, setting aside a case of bottles, "Oh..We are there already? Sorry for being late. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks around at everyone, realizing everyone knew what they were in for before coming, except him. He absolutely feels played. But, that is the way of the family, that is the way of politics, and that is the way of power. But he knew all of this the moment he arrived in Amber.
"So, is there even going to be a Poker Game, or was all of this a ruse to get me here to deal with my Father?"
Realmer slowly reaches inside his jacket and pulls out his Trump Deck and his Mandalay Stones; he flips through the deck quickly and draws out Hagalta's, knowing exactly where it was after his recent handling of the deck on a few occasions, then he puts the rest of the Deck away and holds the Stones and the Trump in one hand, his father's visage looking at him askew... but he does not start the contact yet...
"I don't like being played, even though I expected it. I don't like being ambushed, even though I should have expected it. And I don't like having to do this... now. But if it must be done..."
Realmer takes one last draw off the Urala Cigar, holds the smoke as he sets it aside in an ashtray, tosses down the last of his scotch then focuses on the image of his Father and exhales while speaking a single word.
"Faaaaatherrrrr."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Inject-Ben-"Oh there is a poker game to be sure. It goes on 24 hours a day, 370 days a year. its part of an advanced training here at Nasty Place. troops from all across shadow, in service to Amber, play here. Around the chalet is 30 or more tables and wall trumps to come and go. You have a card here now. You can come when ever you like. Random plays here a lot since the time ratio gives good game time in relation to Amber. and one way or another we will play afterwards. Hell, if Hagalta sees reason he can join too. though... he doesn't get a place trump"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The trump seems to warm suddenly, then open. Hagalta is sitting on an seat overlooking a vast Chaosian landscape. He looks wide eyed. Looking around wildly. He sits on a flat stone wit narrow sharp rocky spires around him.
Vance and Ben both inhale suddenly. Bleys shrieks sharply.
Martin-"Whats going on?"
Hagalta-"Son!! Save me! oh folly! oh cursed blood!!! if you are real, save me!!!!"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben steps up and places his hand over the trump.
"break the connection now"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer immediately breaks the connection.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The contact won't release.
a vision of consuming blackness erupting from the Abyss flowing in rage across shadow and chaos at the same time. The image burns...it feels like Realmer's eyeballs are being burned from the inside.
Bleys grabs the card and places it face down, his foot on it.
The connection breaks
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Entropy? Was that Entropy?" He manages through the pain as he reaches for his empty glass, forgetting it is empty.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bleys, "Well, what are the odds of that? We contact Hagalta after all this time and he is sitting in the Oracle of Night at the time. "
Ben-"Bad luck.. and our Time rates are close, even in our favor. Random, if you send the Jewel home we could meet him as he comes down from the seat. We would cause a scandal showing up at Zilla. No one would blink an eye if we show up at the Oracle of Night. At least no one that would be likely to complain or stop us. He will be disoriented, weak, drained.. Bleys and I could hardly walk for a week after our turns... "
ran puts his hand on Realmer's shoulder, "You alright? Your eyes are bleeding a little"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer goes to take a drink from his Empty Glass and realizes it is empty and set it back down. He singles out the yellow Mandalay Stone and first place is it upon the crown of his head then after a moment he places it upon his forehead where his third eye would be and he puts it back with the others places them all in the pouch and put the pouch away.
"Any real damage was already regenerated by my ring, and the pain will subside shortly I am sure. If not, I am used to dealing with physical pain. That was a most unusual and unique experience. I'm not sure I want to repeat it again. What would have happened if I had tried to pull him through?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Vance-"Ah... Majesty, I'd really like to not be there again....."
Bleys-"Ya. me too..Its done me no good twice."
Doria lands on her feet, "I'll go" Arlo nods, "So will I."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ran-"No idea.. Arlo? Bleys? Doria? you are the experts. "
Arlo-"Most likely it would have broken Hagalta out of the vision. But that place is tenacious. It might well have ripped his mind loose. Nothing good. "
Bleys raises his hand and refills his glass with the gin he hates.
Doria-"I would guess he would have seen the whole vision if he left or not. Once he sat he gained the vision.. Or Realmer here could have been sucked across and experienced the vision first hand.. If he experienced even a little bit through Hagalta's circumstance, he might have the whole vision in his mind"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I saw a vision of consuming blackness erupting from the Abyss flowing in rage across Shadow and Chaos at the same time... I think it might have been Entropy."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer goes to the bar, refills, consumes, refills again, consumes a bit slower then refills once more and takes a seat in the nearest overstuffed chair.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bleys refills his gin.."OH good. Hagalta has a vision of the release of Entropy on the seat. That's all kinds of good news. Random i want to go on record saying that i advise putting two in the back of his head. Its a mercy. But short of that, lets snatch him and put him in the cell next to Brand's. Brand can spend a week in his rooms upstairs while we hash things out with him"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Arlo nods-"I concur"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Doria, "That probably means no head shots"
Bleys, 'Why is that? You sat there clicking off bolts from that nail gun at Brand and all he could do was cower behind his overturned desk"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Doria nods, "Good times..."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I agree... with the cell idea, especially if he can be stripped of his powers. Will you be wanting me to accompany you to get my Father, Majesty?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ran-"Probably don't need me there. How about it Realmer? Take him at the Seat, make him see reason, put him in a comfy cell for a week?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ran nods. 'yes.. Ill leave it up to you. I'm going downstairs..my crown is itching. You people sort this out. Don't spend too long in Amber. Once I'm there I can spread the time out while we interog....taalk to him'
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Very well, Majesty." Realmer sighs. "So who all is in on this? Doria and Arlo already volunteered. Bleys and Vance declined on grounds of past traumatic stress. Lord Marshall, I am sure you were planning on leading?"
Realmer pulls the Defender Blade from his pocket and straps it to his left hip. He reaches for his walking stick and it flies into his hand and becomes a Scrimshawed Bone Staff, the White Raven flies to his left shoulder. He brings up the Pattern in anticipation, checking his Spells.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben inclines his head, "I've been there so ill get us there and be sure we are in the right place. But its your call. Bleys and I can both open a gateway to the dungeon that will propel him inward."
Bleys pulls Werewindle, looking down the edge as if something might have nicked it, a bladesman's automatic reaction.
"Ya, we can give him the big toss across the universe but when Hagalta crosses the threshold he is going to be going fast. Be a rough landing. Arlo, you are the jail keeper. Evict Brand, ready the cell for company. And Realmer, the king can excuse me from this, but he didn't, so as the saying goes; Pain heals. Chicks dig scars. Glory lasts forever. Call the ball."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben pulls a trump with just a moments hesitancy. Doria lings the riffle and pulls a black blade the likes of which Elric wielded. Arlo withdraws the blade Gallis, Eric's sword
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Arlo-"This is going to piss off Vander.. SHATTERBOUND!!!!" A suit of black scale armor flows over Arlo's body
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Doria looks at Arlo..."Oh my...I had heard rumors you were a warrior in the dawn of time but I didn't much believe it.. Black looks good on you..."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I want everybody involved that can be spared. Vance, Martin, are you in or out? I'd like you both there, but I won't force you. Bleys, you're in and thanks. Do everything we can to NOT kill him. Understood?" Realmer takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "I will talk to my Father, I am the one he is most likely to listen to and not attack... I hope. Lord Marshall, on your command."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Martin pulls an unfamiliar looking longsword that shimmers with pattern tracing. Vance nods, pulling his NP blade.
Ben opens the Trump to Oracle of Night.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"And once again into the Maw of Madness" Realmer says as they step through.  And Scene - Act 2