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

"People like to have first causes. The rebellion started when a tax was placed on tea, or the assassination of the archduke lead to the war. It isn't that easy. Look at a first cause, and you can usually find something behind that, and on, and on in endless regression. So when the War of the Shards started is a matter of debate. However by the time Rinaldo was crowned King of Kashfa it was underway. Few at that time knew of the momentous events that were happening."

"That would change."

In Kashfa it is the day of Rinaldo's coronation. It is a day of celebration for the people, and one of hope for Rinaldo is well loved in Kashfa. Jeanette, Madrak, and Vance find themselves together admist the bustle and preparations for the activities to come.

Vance glances to the others. "We seem to have chosen an opportune time to take a walk."

Madrak nods, stroking his beard as he walks. "So it would seem."

Vance slows, as he approaches a building with the symbol of a needle and a ball of thread intricately carved on a wooden sign. Like many of the shops, there is no writing on the sign above the door.

Jeanette simply walks along with the other two, content to listen...

Vance smiles. "Ah, here we are."

Madrak looks at the sign. "Indeed," he rumbles. "Is this particular here of special import?"

Vance says "Somewhat. I need to see about a torn cloak."

Madrak ahs.

Through the windows a tailor can be seen working away.

Vance walks into the shop. An old man comes forward, to which Vance bows, and says, "I need to see about a torn cloak left here yesterday. Tender fabric, rips easily. My name is Vance. Is the master about?"

Madrak follows along, studying various outfits, all of them black or charcoal in color.

Jeanette seems to share Madrak's tastes, if not his fashion, as she surveys the possibilities offered by the shop.

The tailor takes a needle from his mouth, poking it into a sewing dummy. "Yes he's about. Wait a minute I'll see if he'll see you now." The tailor then goes through a curtain.

Vance glances to the others. "I apologize for dragging you along on such trivial matters."

Jeanette simply nods, silent.

Vance says "Did either of you wish to join in the celebrations, today?"

Madrak considers a coat in a style favored by some in Begma, and says quietly, "Sometimes I wonder if anything is trivial, Vance."

Vance replies, "Not if you value it."

A man emerges, and he doesn't look much like a tailor. He is tall, lean and swarthy, wrapped in the traditional black garments of the the natives of the great Kashfan desert. A curved blade rests comfortably at his side.

Vance smiles. "Ah, Kaisarah. Just the other day, I brought a cloak in for tending. Some of those less professional would just tear the fabric more, but I know you pride yourself on your work. How is it coming along?"

Madrak's gaze lingers on the Begman-styled coat for a long time, and then he turns his back on it, expression dark.

Kaisarah bows to Vance, "I'm so sorry that your cloak is not ready, we have been very busy. I told you I might not be able to get to it until tomorrow."

Madrak leans on his staff, closing his eyes with a fatigued expression.

Krinac pages to Jeanette and Madrak: "Kaisarah and Vance are staring at each other pretty intently for such a casual conversation.

Vance says "Well, it is a rather new cloak, and I look forward to getting a feel for it. I will simply have to wait, I suppose. Do you have an idea when tomorrow?"

Madrak opens his eyes again.

Kaisarah replies, "By noon. I intend to sleep late after the celebrations tonight."

Vance nods. "Perhaps I will see you at the celebrations, then. I have some other errands, but I doubt I will finish them all before the shops close." He bows. "My thanks, Kaisarah."

Madrak sketches an awkward bow, hand on his considerable stomach, and moves toward the door.

Kaisarah replies, "Until then." and bows again. He then glides out the door with a smooth quiet motion. His assistant returns, "Can I help you in any other way?"

Vance glances to his companions, with a questioning gaze.

Madrak says, to the assistant as he leaves, "No. There are not enough shrouds in all Kashfa." He steps out of the shop without explaining.

Vance follows, to catch up with Madrak outside.

Jeanette shakes her head... "Another time." She follows the others.

A boy waves at Vance.

Vance smiles, and nods to the child as he walks.

Actually boy is a bit of misnomer, he's a youth, his legs are too long for his trousers. He is skinny as a rail and covered in dirt.

Madrak's deep voice is gravelly, "Do you believe in Justice?" he asks over his shoulder, one eye studying the others.

The boy says, "I've switched sides. There is someone else asking for you. A tall outlander with a hound. For a crown I'll show you to him."

Madrak stops, seeing the boy strike up a conversation with Vance.

Vance says, "Yes and no," to Madrak, before he turns to the boy. "Show me."

The boy leads the group to a nearby inn. The inkeep is asking Sean, "What did he do? Skip out on a gambling bill? You are the third person to ask about him today."

Sean shakes his head, smiling, to the barkeep, "Not at all ... I seek his counsel, I have been told he is wise and may be able to help me. Should you see him, tell him to inquire of Sean of Briarwood at the Castle once the festivities are over."
Shamus, a large wolfhound at Sean's side, scratches at some fleas.

Vance walks over to the innkeeper, and slides over a pair of coins. "If anyone else asks about 'him', you will tell me." He turns to Sean, offhandedly tossing a third coin towards the boy at the door.

Sean looks to Vance and inquires, "You seek the Sorcerer Vance as well?"

Vance raises an eyebrow. "Sorcerer is a strong term, and is much to live up to. But I am Vance. Who referred you to me?"

Sean smiles, "Hello then ... I was told of you by another sorcerer. I travel many worlds, and was told that you had knowledge that might help my quest along it's way."

Vance nods. "Then, I am happy to assist, if I can." He turns to the others. "These are two associates of mine. Madrak and Jeanette." He gestures to each in turn. "Shall we sit for a moment?"

The innkeep says, "Umm, sirs, one of the other persons who asked for you checked into my last room just a little while ago."

Vance glances back to the innkeep. "Room number." He waits, expectantly.

Sean offers a hand first to Madrak, then Jeanette, "I am Sean of Briarwood."

Jeanette accepts it, nodding. "Jeanette DuBois."

Sean motions to his side, "This is Shamus, my friend and guide."
Shamus wuffs.

The innkeep says, "No need sir, there he is now." He gestures to a man coming out of the east hallway.

Sean looks to the man indicated by the innkeep.

Madrak shakes Sean's hand as it is offered, and nods.

Vance turns to the man, his expression serious.

Rex sweeps regally into the room, eyeing all and sundry with dispassionate interest...an interesting trick, that. He sweeps up to the bar.

The innkeep mutters as he walks away, "Fastest two crowns I ever made."

Rex hails the barkeep. "A glass of your finest red."

The innkeep pours Rex a glass of red wine.

Rex's gaze covers the room, as though wondering where to look first.

Vance looks at Sean, Madrak, and Jeanette. "Excuse me." He walks over to Rex. "Greetings, sir. I was told you were looking for one named Vance?"

Rex turns to man addressing him, makes and holds eye contact. "Yes; I am told he is a Mighty Sorcerer, by one in a position to know the truth of things." He sips his wine, as though to present an opportunity to respond.

Sean looks to Jeanette and Madrak, "If must be interesting travelling with a Sorcerer, yes?"

Jeanette mms softly. "I have not travelled far with him, yet. Nor am I sure I intend to do so."

Madrak considers. "I rather imagine so."

Vance chuckles. "It seems someone holds me in high esteem." He pauses, before adding, "I am the one of who you speak. Who was it that referred you to me?"

Sean ohs to Jeanette and inquires, "Do you seek his counsel as well?"

Kyra says "When I know what question to ask, I will ask it."

Sean chuckles and nods knowingly, "That is much the same situation I find myself in. I understand."

Rex glances briefly at the speaker and his company, and returns his gaze to settle on Vance. "Why, a Beautiful Princess, of course. Who else? She spoke of matters pressing and arcane; perhaps we could take this conversation to a more private setting."

Madrak moves over to the bar, and orders a mug of ale.

Vance nods. "Of course." He turns, gesturing to the others. "These are associates of mine. One was referred to me much as you were. Perhaps we can take a table in the corner, and talk of this."

Madrak hefts his mug, and moves back over to Vance.

Jeanette pauses to acquire a glass of wine, then joins the others.

Sean remains without a drink, but awaits to see which table will be chosen.

Rex nods, without looking at the others. "Very well." He drinks again, eyes a table, and moves decisively toward it.

The barkeep scuttles up seeing if anyone else needs a drink. (and fetches one for them if desired)

Sean declines and follows Rex and Vance.

Vance walks over to a table in the corner, and motions for the others to sit.

Rex absently leaves small coinage behind him in the amount of his drink's price.

Vance says to the innkeep, "Ale."

Madrak settles heavily into a seat.

Rex reclines gracefully, and motions for a refill. He waits for all to be seated.

Sean sits in a chair, and motions to the door and clicks at Shamus.
Shamus wanders over to the fireplace and keeps and eye on the door.

Vance holds the chair out for Jeanette.

Jeanette accepts Vance's offer, as if she had expected it all along.

Vance sits, and turns to Sean and Rex. "Well, both of you were seeking me. What can I do for you?"

Sean motions to Rex, "Please feel free to go first."

Rex nods to Sean, and turns to Vance. "We have something in common, I am told. There are those who would seek to occupy, or ravage, our homelands, for their...(meaningful pause)...resources. You follow my meaning."

Madrak purses his lips, and takes a long draught of ale.

Vance nods. "Indeed, I do. And, it has begun."

Rex raises his eyebrows. "Oh? How fares the battle, then?"

Vance frowns. "The greatest has fallen, and the others could be next."

Rex raises an eyebrow. "You command multiple resources? That would be impressive."

Vance says "Command? No. I simply have a familiarity with them."

Kyra says "They must certainly be valuable to these folk, if they desire them so much."
Kyra says "Perhaps we might wish to explore their reasons for doing so."

Vance says "If we knew who they were, that would be possible."

Rex nods. "I see." He seems slightly disappointed. He turns to Jeanette. "They are beyond price; if you knew what they represent, you would understand." He looks back to Vance. "Do you have a plan to defend what you value?"
Rex sips his wine, again.

Sean leans over to Jeanette, "They represent Law and Chaos, I am told. Law's Kingdom is called Amber." he whispers.

Vance says, "Find who is responsible, and see what can be done. For now, the ones where I have a small amount of influence have been warned."
Vance then glances to the rest. "But, perhaps we should speak more clearly, for the benefit of others."

Madrak looks directly at Vance. "Do you speak of Begma?"

Rex shrugs, addressing Vance, and the others by default. "I have little to hide; you would not want to see my homeland, Nadir. It's a real dive."

Vance looks back to Madrak. "Begma has suffered the loss of which I speak. But, this resource extends deep into other worlds, other places, which the Amberites call Shadows."

Madrak says "Begma is gone, and all her people dead."

Rex seems to ponder Madrak's words, as though weighing pros and cons of such an event.

Vance blinks, once. "I had not realized the damage had extended that far." He frowns, deeply.

Jeanette lifts an eyebrow... "Completely?"

Madrak drains his ale. "Quite completely. The brother of Coral and Nayda is numbered among the dead."

Jeanette ahs, softly, and glances down at the floor.

Sean frowns, "That is most horrible that many have died. My condolences."

Rex continues to weigh his options, by the look on his face. At length, he addresses Vance. "I would like to see the handiwork of these forces."

Madrak sighs heavily, and inclines his head.

Vance frowns. "I believe everyone at this table is more than they seem. Rex seems to bear a power similar to my own. But, you all have a stake in this. Should these...resources...be destroyed, it could be the end of everything. It will definitely leave the Golden Circle shattered, and possibly much more."

Jeanette nods... "My own land has seen war, but..."

Sean says "What ... is the Golden Circle?"

Madrak says "I would like to see justice done, in this matter, if it is within my power."

Rex listens to Vance's response.

Vance turns to Sean. "Amber's closest allies, and trading partners."

Sean nods, "That I understand. I am afraid my question is somewhat different than what has been asked. Though your matters certainly seem of great import."

Vance nods. "I will address it in a moment, Sean. He turns back to gaze at Rex. "I would be interesting in seeing Begma, if anything remains worth seeing." He then looks to Madrak. "Is there anything left?"

Rex nods, half to himself.

Madrak says "Nothing living, I suspect... but it may be possible to learn something, there."

Vance hmms. "If everyone is in agreement, we can leave tomorrow. But, first, there is the matter of Sean's question...and some introductions."

Sean nods, "I seek information about the Blight, someplaces called the Black Road. I am on a quest to find the cure for it."

Rex looks at Sean, quizzically. "The road is ill?"

Vance hmms, considering, and giving the others an opportunity to answer.

Sean nods, "It manifests in my homeland as a blight ... causing death to our crops and will soon starve my people out all together."

Vance says "To my knowledge, the Black Road disappeared in the wake of the shadowstorm that swept through all lands."

Sean says "No sir ... it was weakened greatly ... but there are those who seek to strengthen it again."

Vance frowns. "How did you manage to leave your land, Sean of Briarwood?"

Sean says "I am the Chosen. I am the only to survive the Stag's calling to the Briarwood. That is why it is my mission to seek the Dragon's Eye and cure the Blight."

Rex purses his lips. "At least somebody's path is relatively clear."

Sean says "Known, but not clear, sir. I do not know where to find the Dragon's Eye, or even what it is. Nor do I know how to begin to cure the Blight."

Jeanette hmms, "What nation uses a dragon for its sigil?"

Vance hmms. "Chaos uses a serpentine banner, Jeanette." He turns to Sean. "I would like to see this Briarwood, Sean. Perhaps I can help bring about a cure, for I doubt the events we speak of are unrelated."
He pauses, as if considering the revelation of a great secret, before saying, "An agent of the Pattern is responsible for what occurred in Begma. Amber and Chaos have realized they are too closely matched, and grasp at the independent powers between them in order to gain an advantage. In doing so, all in between could be lost...unless those powers can join to resist these two mighty forces."

Madrak frowns thoughtfully.

Sean says "Well the Briarwood should be safe from this ... I am the first of hundreds to survive, and the powers it has granted me are weak compared to what I have seen."

Vance adds, "The fact that you are here means you have a connection to one of the pawns in their game. Will you play on their terms, or your own?"

Rex chuckles to himself.

Vance says to Sean, "Picture two great misers, competing for wealth. Even a single farthing can make the difference - and if you are here, you control more than a farthing's worth."

Sean thinks about this a moment, "I believe I understand ... If a farthing is these coins I have seen used."

Jeanette nods, "A farthing is a very small coin."

Vance nods. "The least of them, yes."

Sean nods, "I understand then."

Madrak says "Do you know which agent of Amber is responsible for the fall of Begma?"

Vance says, "Begma was a great gem. Its loss is Amber's gain." He looks at Madrak. "No, I do not. I know a few that I do not suspect, but that is all."

Rex says "Let us complete our introductions, then, and make plans for the morrow. You may call me Rex."
Rex finishes his glass of wine, and motions for another.

Sean says "I am Sean of Briarwood."

Jeanette nods, sipping her wine... "Jeanette DuBois."

Vance waits for Madrak, remaining silent.

Madrak says "Sometimes I'm called Madrak."

Rex :sips his wine, and surveys the room, as if looking for something.

Vance nods, and says, "And, I am Vance, sometimes known as Vintir. And, in certain select circles, the Master of the Flaw. We live in interesting times, and are fortunate to be brought together at this juncture. On the morrow, it seems a journey to Begma is in order. I would suggest enjoying tonight's celebrations...what we find at Begma may kill joviality entirely."

Madrak sighs heavily. "I agree. In my case, it already has."

Rex brightens, and raises his glass. "Hear, hear."

Sean says "I have something I must do on the morrow here... Shall we leave after it is completed?"

Vance nods. "We can wait for your business, Sean. What time of day will it be complete?"

Sean says "Early in the morning I hope."

Vance nods, and rises. "I will see you all on the morrow, then. Madrak, perhaps we can speak briefly before then."

Rex nods, and rises, as well.

The barkeeper walks up. "Can I get you anything else. I'm about to close down the bar so I can make it to the processional."

Vance drains his ale, and says, "No. And you've been well-paid for your time."

Sean shakes his head, and walks towards the door, clicking for Shamus to join him.

Rex loks at the barkeep. "Yes, a large bottle, or very small barrell, of this fine red. What processional?"

Madrak says "I believe I've had enough ale for this evening, barkeep, but thank you."

The barkeep looks at Rex like he is daft, "The coronation processional." but he hurries to fetch the bottle.

Two hours until the processional.

Rex refills his glass, gets a clean glass, cradles his large bottle in the crook of the arm carrying the extra glass, and goes on the prowl.

Jeanette goes back to that tailor, to select proper garb for the evening.
Jeanette gets proper garb with no trouble.

Madrak takes a walk.

Essentially everyone split all up again....
The processional isn't much. Marching army and calvary, and a fancy carriage with no windows. The crowd goes wild. Probably because of the largess. There is a guy on the back of the carriage throwing coins to the crowd. It does wonders for a rulers popularity.

GM: Ok you do so, and it is quite a party. Everyone is drinking, and singing and drifting off in pairs. You are approached by several men for dancing, and companionship.

Jeanette dances, occasionally, but does not accept further offers.
Jeanette never dances with the same man twice.

GM: So noted... and you drink in moderation also?

Jeanette: 'Indeed. And eat. But, most importantly, listen. Everything they have to say, about the land, what they do in it, where the real power lies, who this king is and where he comes from, etc...'

GM: You hear quite a bit, mostly about how wonderful it is that Rinaldo is going to be on the throne. They seem to feel the king has the power."

Jeanette enjoys herself, keeping up her part, and learns as much as she can.

GM: You stay up late, and eventually return to your room and sleep. When you awaken in the morning, you find that someone has been through all of your possessions. Turning them over spilling them, as if looking for something.

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