Copyright ©1998 Jonathan Cardon
Amber DRPG is Copyright ©1991 Erick Wujcik

"Between these two extremes lie the shadow."
"For years these two realms dwelt in an uneasy truce, a truce that was broken dramatically in recent years by a mighty war that upset the foundations of the universe... they say the war is over now."
"Or is it? There are signs of strain, that the current peace is nothing more than an opportunity for the titans to again marshall their forces and regroup."
Krinac says "In these stirrings, those who dwell in shadow listen to the events of their times carefully, for the next war could destroy the universe, leaving nothing but ... SHARDS"

GM: Interestingly enough, several people are making inquiries about Vance. Seems he is suddenly a topic of interest.

Jeanette: Jeanette keeps quiet and listens, then. What sort of interest?

GM: Mostly people want to know where he is. Someone wants to talk to him, ask him a few questions. You hear rumors he ran out on a debt.

Jeanette: Jeanette mms, "What sort of someone?"

GM: That takes some digging. Whoever is asking questions hid their tracks well, and now that the questions have started, more than one person seems to be interested. However, one of the trails leads back to someone known to be an agent of Amber.

Jeanette: Jeanette muses. Interesting. Do I have any idea where Vance is?

GM: Not really, he wasn't forthcoming on much about himself.

Jeanette: Jeanette hmms to herself, and considers what to do next.

GM: eventually after making deeper inquires someone says that Vance may be Kashfan.

Jeanette: Jeanette ahs, nodding. She smiles, and goes to visit the local library, or wherever they keep maps of the world. See where Kashfa is.

GM: Jeanette quickly learns that Kashfa is its own shadow, and that passage to it can be secured from either Rebma or Amber.

Jeanette: 'Secured in what way?'.

GM: Just pay gold, and board a ship. There is more cargo than passengers, but people do move about the golden circle.

Jeanette: Jeanette ahs, and purchases herself a passage.

GM: You are in Kashfa. How do you intend to find Vance?

Jeanette: 'Discreetly, casually.'.

Jeanette: Jeanette will ask about an 'old friend', and not mention him by name unless asked directly.

GM: You quickly determine that not only is Vance wanted, he isn't unknown around these parts. Several people tell you he is a good man to leave alone.

Jeanette: Jeanette expresses surprise... he never seemed odd when I knew him... what's so unhealthy?

GM: Evidently Vance is feared both as a magician. He is called an adept more than once.

Jeanette: 'Both as a magician, and...?'.

GM: He also is well connected, not with the official powers, but with what corresponds to the local mafia.

Jeanette: Jeanette hmms. "Interesting. And odd. He always seemed the friendly sort."

GM: You get lucky, someone tells you they have seen Vance, and they give you a direction to a tavern.

Jeanette: Jeanette heads there, smiling.

Vance says "Yes. Are you speaking as an observer, or one who considers involvement?"

Madrak regards Vance seriously. "Both."

Jeanette paces in, silent, and gestures to the barkeep for a drink as she glances around the establishment.

Krinac *notes that Jeanette did in fact walk into the same tavern where Madrak and Vance are having a talk at the bar.

Vance nods. "I see. Perhaps..." He pauses, as a familiar woman enters the tavern. "...a suitable offer can be made."

Madrak says, "Perhaps." He follows Vance's gaze to Jeanette.

Vance glances at Jeanette. He mutters to Madrak, "... consider involvement."

Jeanette accepts a mug of beer, and sips at it, hmming critically.

Vance motions a server over, and says quietly, "Place the lady's drinks on my tab, with my compliments." He motions to Jeanette.

Jeanette salutes Vance with the glass, not being too far away.

Vance salutes in return, and turns his gaze back to Madrak.

Jeanette sits nearby, and simply waits and listens. And, occasionally, drinks.

Vance hmms, then stands. He nods to Madrak, and says, "I'll be right back." He then walks over to Jeanette. "Greetings...it has been a while. There is no reason to drink alone - you are welcome to join us."

Jeanette smiles an odd sort of smile. "Are you certain of that?"

Vance says "Reasonably. Perhaps you might find the table conversation interesting."

Jeanette comments simply, "One never knows what one might find interesting." She nods, and takes up her mug as she rises.

Vance heads back to his table, and holds out a seat for Jeanette.

Jeanette accepts the courtesy as if it were only expected, and sits.

Madrak nods to Jeanette.

Vance then sits down, and says to Jeanette. "It appears you travel quite a bit, as do I. What brings you to Kashfa?"

Jeanette smiles that odd smile again. "I travel. It amuses me."

Vance gives his own odd smile in return, then says, "Since you are a guest, feel free to pick the topic of conversation. Politics? Weather? Jewelry?"

Jeanette says "History."

Madrak says "Recent or ancient?"

Jeanette says "Recent."

Vance sits back in his chair. "A subject I have some familiarity with. Continue."

Jeanette mms. "I have heard, in my travels, tales of a great war, fought with some far-off enemy. But none of these tales tells the whole of it, nor do they all tell the same tale."

Vance smiles. "The greatest war I know of was the recent battles between Amber and a place called the Courts of Chaos. Perhaps you should have stayed longer in Rebma - it was quite the topic of conversation, there."

Madrak nurses his ale and listens.

Jeanette says "Perhaps so. The environment, however, was not conducive to comfort."

Vance says "Understandable. Well, the battle is over, Amber is victorious, and there is unlikely to be future conflicts between the two powers for some time."

Jeanette says "So I had heard. It is the details of the final battle I find curious. No one I spoke with seems to know quite what took place."

Vance says "Do the details matter?"

Jeanette says "To the student, they do."

Vance shrugs. "I have not studied those specifics, unfortunately."

Jeanette says "I see. Well, perhaps I will find what I seek later."

Vance says "And, what will you do in the meantime?"

Madrak says "I fear I know nothing more of the details than you do, and possibly less."

Jeanette says "Whatever I may enjoy."
Jeanette smiles, and takes a drink of her beer.

Vance hmms. "Perhaps introductions are in order. I am Vance, also known as Vintir in various places and times."

Jeanette nods, and looks to Vance's friend.

Madrak says "I am Madrak, known by some as the Mighty."

Jeanette ahs. "And I am Jeanette, a scholar."

Madrak nods. "May I ask what it is you study?"

Jeanette says "You may. But I am a scholar, not a student, nor an apprentice."

Vance says "Then, what is your main field of expertise?"

Madrak takes a long pull from his mug. "Or interest?"

Jeanette says "All things that can be learned."

Madrak ahs. "A scholar of all things. Ambitious. I must confess I have a certain interest in theological questions, and other imponderables."

Vance is quiet for a moment, and glances around the room.

Jeanette nods... "Such questions occupy the minds of many, for all that they are called 'imponderable'."

Madrak says "Quite right. One of the vagaries of language, or perhaps a comment on our philosophies that things are often called what people wish they were, rather than what they are."

Vance glances to Madrak. "You have an interest in theology. Do you profess a particular belief?"

Madrak says "I am a priest of the non-sectarian sort. A servant, if you will, of that Mystery which may exist and is the reason for all else, blessed be its name, if it have a name, and any desired to see it blessed."

Vance's expression remains neutral. "And, is yours a belief to be shared with others, or held privately?"

Madrak looks troubled, and drains his ale in a single draught. "At one time, I thought it something to be shared by any means necessary, and... I found myself on a dark and unseen path. I have long been a pilgrim, hoping for forgiveness, if something exists which will forgive my erring. I have been, perhaps, less forceful, in recent times. But if you are interested, I welcome the conversation."

Jeanette simply listens, quietly.

Vance nods. "I am not averse to such talk. But, there are other matters which concern me...matters that I must attend to ere events begin to build an unpleasant momentum. I would not mind company, should either of you wish to accompany me."

Madrak considers his girth, and the empty mug before him. "I could deal with a walk, and conversation about more immediate matters."

Jeanette nods, "As could I." Though her player would like some sleep.

Vance says, "Then, it is settled." He drains his cup, and rises.

Jeanette nods, and drains her own cup. "So be it."

Madrak stands, leaning on his staff a little as he does. "Have we a destination in mind?"

Vance nods. "Yes. Though, the trip may have some obstacles placed before us. Apparently, I have become a notable figure in Kashfa."

Jeanette lifts an eyebrow, as if surprised by the revalation.

Madrak nods, running a hand through his beard. "It is neither fair, nor life, but I suspect it true. And I am no stranger to obstacles."

Krinac pages to Jeanette, Madrak, Sean, Sunfall, and Vance: "Apologies for delays. I was doing my best to weave six threads together. We are windng to a close now.

Madrak says "Do you think we may meet other notable figures of Kashfa, on our course or at our destination?"

Vance says "We are forewarned, and therefore forearmed. And, I am nearly certain of it, Madrak."

Madrak nods. "That may be fortuitous, depending on whom and how. I fear I have grim news for two of them."
Madrak makes his way toward the exit.

Vance says, as they walk, "Any ones in particular? I know much about Kashfa's notables."

Jeanette rises, and joins Vance in his walk to the exit.

Madrak says, in a low whisper, "Sisters they are, Coral and Nayda."

Vance nods. "I know of them."

Madrak says "Then perhaps, as the crowd grows distant, you will tell me of them, and of this... auction, of sorts. And I may tell you my news, so that you may bear it to them, if... it becomes necessary."

Vance nods to Madrak. "The journey will give us sufficient time to talk."

Madrak says "Excellent. I find myself eager for conversation, after my travels."

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