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

Opportunity, n. A favorable occassion for grasping a disappointment.
     -Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary

SHARDS

Between the Pattern of Amber and the Logrus of Chaos are the lesser powers: broken patterns, the ravelled logrii, representations, designs, and wells. Realms of power. Shards.
Amber defeated Chaos in the Patternfall War, but the battle continues.

Now the Shards begin to fall. The realm of Begma is no more.
Caine has killed Rinaldo and holds Kashfa in his iron fist.
Slowly the eyes of the other Shards begin to open
Chiare and Thule have been warned, but most remain blind to the danger.

A small band of heroes fleeing Kashfa now heads toward the faerie realm of Alfar.
Despite their efforts, the allies they have recruited have been faint of heart, weak of power, or shortlived. Soon others would contact them with offers of alliance. Offers that bring risk and opportunity for the Shards...

Krinac says "The NPCs Nayda, Kaisarah, Ariadne, Middenriddle, Aranor, and Reed currently accompany the party."
Krinac says "Hmm, actually now that I recall, Kaisarah left last session by a trump sketch for Kashfa."
Krinac says "Engela stayed behind at the last shadow."
Krinac says "And Andra was taking the other ship back to its home port."
Krinac says "Sunfall is present, but is on GM autopilot unless the player arrives."
Krinac says "Sean is technically a NPC, but is being played by Render because Madrak is "dead""
Krinac says "The trip toward faerie passes mostly without event. In fact you are not far from shore when that changes."

A sailor calls out "Ship Ahoy".

Sailors scramble, as they do whenever a ship is sighted.
This time mutters quickly rise from the crew.

Vance is at the bow of the ship, and turns to see where the sailor is pointing.

Sean groans, and goes to the rail.

"We're sharing the same wind, how's the bloody thing gaining on us so fast?"

Reed appears shortly hearing the commotion with his binoculars, and focuses on the vessel that is gaining on you quickly.

Rex comes up from belowdecks, to investigate all the hubbub.

Reed mutters something about someone named Murphy and his laws.

Sean moves over to Reed. "What is it?"

Jeanette scowls, "Propelled by magic?"

Reed says "She's flying a unicorn on a white field as the top flag, and a green pennant bordered in black below it. Sound familiar?"

Vance moves to the stern of the ship. "Caine."

Jeanette nods. "Bastard."

Reed continues, "I don't know much about sailing vessels, but she's got three masts, lots of sails, and cannon ports."

Sean looks around. "Can we make port before they open fire?"

A sailor says, "I take it these guys are not friends of yours, how far is it to shore?"

Vance raises his hands, and seems to have a look of intense concentration on his face as he gazes off towards the vessel in the distance.

A black line of utter darkness manifests roughly 10 feet behind the ship, and starts moving towards the enemy vessel. It begins to expand as the bottom portion touches water, sucking it up like a massive soda straw. It is nothingness - a violation of all that is natural in Shadow.

Vance says, in a tone that indicates the stress of his efforts, "I cannot navigate our escape while blocking them...and neither can any other who works with the Dark Well."

Jeanette nods, "I will handle it, then."

Sean turns to the sailors. "Sail on. Don't look behind us."

Rex steps up near to Vance, and stands ready for...something.

Jeanette steps to the wheel, reaching out into the shadows about us with her own senses, choosing a path for the ship to follow...

A look of annoyance arises on Vance's face as Rex approaches. "Rex, I don't suppose you could make yourself useful at this point...?"

The ship continues moving across seas that change and shift in color under Jeanette's guidance.

Reed says, "Whatever that is you've done Vance, it has made them hesitate. They've slowed noticeably already."

Rex blinks, with apparent surprise, at Vance. "Well, hmm. Last time you did that, you needed me to make it go away. I just thought I'd be ready to do so again."

Then the sky shifts again, and the darkness and the following vessel both vanish.

Vance manages a smile. "Thule is not at risk. If we can outrun it, I'm inclined to let Caine deal with this...inconvenience."

Rex shrugs. "As you wish."

Vance turns to Rex. "Help Jeanette get us out of here. I've released the Dark Well." There is a note of urgency in his voice.

Rex nods, and trots forward to the bow.

The wind picks up and the ship begins to move a little faster.

Vance keeps watch at the rear portion of the ship.

Rex approaches Jeanette. "What can I do to help?"

Jeanette says "Strengthen me... he's fighting me, trying to draw us back to his course."

Rex nods, reaches for Jeanette's hand.

Jeanette takes Rex's hand, nodding...

Strain shows on Jeanette's face, but the ship is visibly moving quickly through shadow. Dolphins leap up from the bow wake of the ship... and then a moment latter are mermaids.

The water smooths and becomes dotted with large lily pads the size of small cars.

The strain on Jeanette's face lessesns somewhat, but she maintains her place, hurrying the ship along...

Vance walks to the bow of the ship, and points thirty degrees starboard. "Change course. We're far enough away so I can help."

Jeanette nods, and mutters to the helmsman, "Do it."

Vance says "It'll take some time for Caine to reorient. If we pool our talents, we can be at our destination well ahead of any pursuit. And, if he continues after us, Kashfa has a chance to escape Amber's grip."

Rex nods. "Let's do it, then."

Krinac says "Very well, without any further problems you arrive off the coast of Alfar."

Jeanette nods... "Let him chase, then. We will lead him on."

Vance smiles. "Our destination. The Alfar realm. Take us in to the river mouth. We will proceed inland on land."

Sean mutters. "Thank the nine gods."

Krinac says "Idly wonders how this boat will get home, but I'll wait and see."

You sail into the river mouth, which is navigatable for some distance. The air is fresh, the sky is bluer than blue, and alive with smells of life. The land is deeply forested. Thick virgin forest that arches high into the sky and birds cavort about the branches.

Vance walks over to Jeanette. "Do you still have the sketch of Rex, Jeanette?"

Jeanette fishes in her pocket, nodding. "Aye," she says.

Rex listens.

Krinac notes it is a full trump, not just a sketch, but Jeanette has it.

Vance says, in a lower voice pitched so the crew can't hear him, "You are still in command till I touch Arcadia's soil. But the crew will have to be dealt with. I would suggest guiding them to a nearby Shadow where they can occupy themselves until we are ready to utilize their services again. There is an appropriate one immediately adjacent to Arcadia."

Jeanette nods. "Surely Rex can accomplish this as well as I."

Vance frowns. "I wouldn't know. Besides, you're in charge."

Rex nods. "If Vance and I are thinking of the same place, certainly. How shall I motivate the crew to wait for us, and how will we get the ship back here when we need it?"

Jeanette says "That's what I was thinking. There's no way for you to contact me if I go over there, and once I rejoin the group, there's no way back to them. But if Rex goes, we can at least contact him via the Image."

Vance shrugs. "I believe they will be inclined to go 'a-viking'.

Rex says "Are you suggesting that I wait with the ship?"

Jeanette says "Someone will have to, if we expect to use it again."

Rex nods. "I suppose you have a point."

Vance says "No, actually, they can be left alone. They can't leave the shadow under their own power."

Rex says "But then how do we link back up with them, when we need them?"

A seaman starts screaming, "Put it out, put it out my beard..." and then he dives over the railing into the river.

Jeanette blinks, "What the hell?"

Rex immediately turns and dives after him.

Sean looks around quickly. "Alfar? Fae?"

There is definitely the sound of laughter, childish laughter, but it echoes so strangely it is hard to tell from where it comes.

Vance glances upward, and calls out, "I wouldn't do that, were I you."

A laughing voice calls out, "Good for me you're not I" and then the boom suddenly cuts free and sweeps across the deck.

Krinac says "All of the PCs will notice a distortion effect (ie invisibilty spell) of a humanoid creature riding on the end of the boom."

Sean ducks, trying for cover.

The sailors were all wary already, and no one except Jeanette was bumped by the swinging boom, although she was cracked pretty hard in the head as she ducked a little too slow.

Jeanette goes down, rolling across the deck, snarling a curse...

Sean stands up again. "Fear dearg, noble fae, we seek no trouble with you."

Krinac dropped Puck.

The rippling effect dances around the deck, only to stop with a cry of astonishment as yellow tendrils appear like fuses burning from Vance, and surround what must be a slender figure. They wrap around the figure like snakes.

The figure suddenly becomes visible, "Thou will pay for that scripling wi... Your lordship, I didn't recognize you amongst all these unbathed apes. These aren't under your protection are they?"

Sean folds his arms, but also holds his tongue.

Vance smiles. "Ah, how refreshing. Naivety is a welcome change. Yes, they are under my protection."

Puck says, "Well it's good then that I wasn't but funning with 'em. Puck at your service"

Sean studies Puck, out of the corner of his eye.

Vance nods, and the tendrils fade with a simple gesture, dropping Puck to the deck. "Puck, welcome. How is Titania?"

Puck says, "Well judging by the sky, she must be in a better mood today, though last week she was in a takin' and the winds blowed so much she near blew the moon out of the sky.

Vance chuckles. "Must have been a full moon, then. Well, I plan to pay her a visit, soon."

Krinac notes that Rex has fished the sailor out of the river by now.

Puck says almost solemenly, "She'll be glad to see ye, not that I can understand why. Begging ye lordships pardon, but why all the scriplings?"

Rex waves to the ship from the riverbank, giving a thumbs-up sign.

Sean tosses Rex a line.

Rex hands the line to the sailor, first. "After you, good fellow."

Krinac says "Rex and the sailor make their way back on board ship."

Vance smiles. "I can't give away all my secrets, Puck. Call it a whim, if it pleases you."

Rex, dripping, returns to the group, and smiles at Puck. "Thanks, O Short One, I needed a quick bath."

Puck says, "As your lordship wishes, I'm sure the Queen will welcome ye even if you bring a whole boatload of scriplings with ye, why she'd welcome ye if ye brought a ship full of manure with ye, but I repeat meself.

Sean scowls.

Rex smiles even bigger, and the Devil himself dances behind his fiery eyes.

Jeanette picks herself up from the deck, and grins. "I think I might like this Queen."

Vance's expression turns serious. "My news for Titania will not be joyous, unfortunately. Tell her that I will arrive in a week's time, and I would like to speak to the High Lords.

Sean glances at Jeanette and Rex, not seeming to share the sentiment.

Rex's smile does not reach his eyes.

Puck smiles, "For ye melord I'll put a girdle round the earth in less than ninty minutes, and hand speak ye words in her ear before the sun has set. Good day melord."

Vance watches Puck go, his eyes thoughtful.

Krinac says "The GM takes this opportunity to note that Puck's accent was similar to Sean's, and the rest of you sometimes had difficulty following his speach."

Puck fades away into the air...

Kyril has disconnected.

Sean mutters to Reed for a moment. "A week, Vance? What're we to do in the meanwhile?"

Krinac says "The GM idly wonders if you are going to wait until someone else finds you, or take action yourselves."

Vance turns to Sean. "There are two Courts of Power in Arcadia, Sean. My business with Titania is not as urgent as where we go next."

Vance says "So, shall we be off?"

Jeanette says "Where do we go, then?"

Sean pales. "The Queen of air and darkness?"

Vance ahems. "Shore, first. Then into the lowlands."

The sailors put you to shore. The captain wants to know if it is safe to forage for supplies.

Vance turns to the captain. "One of my associates will take you to a safe foraging spot."

Krinac says "Ok rather than go through the arguement again someone (probably Jeanette and/or Rex) leads the ship a very short way through shadow, and then catches up with the party, you are now marching through the lowlands under Vance's direction"

Sean mutters to Reed as he walks, relating what he's heard of the fearie, and how to avoid trouble... The advice, culled from folklore and fable is often vague and contradictory.

Reed points out some of the logical contradictions, but listens carefully.

Jeanette listens to Sean, absorbing as much of the lore as she can...

You enter the forest.
It is filled with tall mature trees. The soil is a farmer's dream come true. Rich black soil formed from generations of decayed leaves. The trees are so thick that only mushrooms and fungi dot the forest floor.

Sean tells stories about the leannan sidhe, the fairy lover, and how it will consume the life of any mortal who succumbs to it, the banshee, the pooka horse that drowns its riders and hides its soul in a small black stone, the clurachan drinking the wine from the cellars of the rich...

Vance presses on, leaving little time for small talk.

Jeanette paces on with Vance, seeming almost invigorated.

Sean seems quite able to rattle along and still keep up. As the woods deepen, though, he gradually quiets, and finally falls silent after remarking that the woods are 'near to as thick as the briarwood.'

As Vance leads you the light begins to fail, and the smell of fungus, rot and decay grows stronger, the trees grow closer together, and soon it is so dark that it seems to be night rather than day, the way presses on, then through a clearing you see the moon sailing across a dark sky full of stars, all the while hardly any time seems to have passed since midday and you didn't seem to be moving through shadow.

Rex nods, as though he finally sees something familiar...

The cry of an owl and your plodding feet seem to be the only sounds in the dark wood, when rather suddenly you arrive at a castle. The castle appears to be built equally for defense as beauty. It is a wooden structure, but of a thick dark wood that none doubt make it any less formidable as a fortress. The structure has a dark beauty, but chilling, and its reflection in the dark moat might remind some present of Poe's house of Usher. Ranks of troops stand guard moving in a stiff precision that is vaguely unsettling.

Vance strides up to the structure confidently.

Jeanette joins Vance, confident, assured.

Sean frowns, and follows.

Rex follows.

The eyes of the guards seem vacant, yet they stare straight at you and almost to glow as Vance approaches. A tall dark elf in chainmail, moving much differently from the others addresses you, "Who approaches? State your allegiance and business."

Vance faces the elf with an even gaze. "Tell Mordred that the Master of the Flaw has arrived, and seeks an audience at his earliest convenience."

The dark faerie smiles, "You are expected. Silas, show our guests to their rooms."

A human boy, no more than fourteen comes forward. "This way me lords and ladies, grooms will attend to your horses. Your baggage will be forwarded. What do you wish done with the corpse?"

Sean watches the guards uncomfortably.

Vance looks down to the boy. "It is needed. The preservation spell should hold until it is time. If the King is agreeable, I would like it placed in his personal...workroom."

Rex snickers grimly, "Medium rare."

The dark faerie nods, "It will be seen to. Run along boy, show these to their rooms."

Silas is pale as an albino, dressed in the finest of silks, and unusually hansome. He shows you to your rooms.

Jeanette smiles, examining the rooms laid out for her...

Vance goes to his room, and takes the needed time to clear away the dust and grime of travel.

Silas takes you to a wing set aside for your use. There is precisely one room standing ready for each member of the party. A fire is roaring on the fireplace, a hot bath is drawn, chilled fruits and wines are ready.

As you enter unseen hands guide you to the baths, and gently disrobe and bathe you.

Rex performs the necessary ablutions, and seems to greatly enjoy the fruit and wine.

Jeanette shows neither shock nor surprise at the services provided, and avails herself of every comfort. Including, she hopes, clean clothing...

Some of you may be distirbued that the voices are clearly those of the opposite sex, others by the invisible help.

By the time your baths are done, your clothes are as new, any flaws mended to perfection. Yet laid bside them are clothing which far surpasses them in any way measureable.

Rex ponders, for a moment, the nature of Faerie goods, then puts on the new clothing.

Your unseen attendants await your choice, then dress and ready you.

Jeanette accepts the offered finery, seeming to savor its richness and softness.

Sooner or later all are ready, and another human servant, a young girl arrives, she is as pale, and as lovely as Silas. "Mordred will see you now. Follow me."

Vance emerges from his room at the appropriate time, and follows.

Sean made no objection to the unseen help, but has chosen to wear his own repaired garb, rather than the fancy garments.

Vance is wearing the offered clothing.

Jeanette wears her faerie finery well, and with style...

Rex is resplendent in the new garb.

The party appears transformed by their acquired finery. Jeanette and Rex more than most, Sean and Reed almost drab in their own clothes, but all are looking better after being truely clean for the first time since leaving Thule.

Vance beckons for Ariadne to accompany him closely.

Mordred is sitting on his thrown, a dark and powerful figure. "Welcome, Vance, to the court of Night."
Mordred says, "Present your companions to us."

Vance says "I am honored to have this audience on such short notice, King Mordred. I present to you my companions. Jeanette DuBois, Sunfall, Sean, Ariadne, Reed Marit, Nayda, Rex, Aranor, and Middenriddle."
Vance gestures to each as he introduces them.

Jeanette makes a courtly bow to the King of Faerie, ebon cloak sweeping behind her...

Sean bows shortly.

Rex bows, ever-so-slightly, as his name is mentioned. From his demeanor, one would almost think he were being introduced as visiting royalty.

Mordred nods acknowledgement as the introductions are made. "An interesting array of companions Vance. Why did you decide to gather this court?"

Vance says "I bring tidings. There are forces outside Arcadia that have undertaken a great war, and Arcadia has become one of the points of contention between the two. Soon, the forces of Amber and Chaos will struggle for the gems of Shadow. Arcadia is one such gem. Unprepared, it will not stand against such an onslaught. For verification, I have brought the body of one who witnessed a portion of this struggle, and who could be of great use if his soul remains within reach."

Mordred nods, "I am aware of this conflict, but I would like to hear what you have to say about it first. Then we can attend to Dalt."

Vance raises an eyebrow. "I am impressed. You have been diligent about keeping informed of affairs outside Arcadia. Then, you have probably heard about the destruction of Begma, and the occupation of Kashfa. It is only a matter of time before Amber comes here."

Mordred says, "I was aware that one of Amber's shadows had fallen, but I had not heard it named until you bespoke it. I take it that it is Amber that has occupied Kashfa?"

Vance nods. "Caine rules there with an iron fist, though he may now have left it in the hands of others. We were nearly waylaid by his ship on the way here, and I had to take...extreme measures, to deter him."
Vance adds, "Caine is one of Amber's most ruthless Princes."

Mordred says, "So you were the one who was responsible for the destruction of the Sea of Caspornia?"

Sean looks at Reed, and mutters, "uh-oh" very quietly.

Vance hmms. "Not knowing it by name, I cannot say. But I did indeed have to unleash my powers against a portion of Shadow in order to prevent our capture. Better the Sea of Caspornia than all of the Broken Patterns...including Arcadia."

Mordred merely waves dismissively, "I attach no blame, I just sought clarity. Indeed Caine is a dangerous opponent. I believe this is the second time he has come back from the dead to kill."

Rex muses softly, "Neat trick, that."

Vance nods. "Which is why I have brought Dalt. He has first-hand information of Caine's activities...and the dead do not lie to you. Furthermore, even if the soul is too far gone...the body is strong, and useful as a sentinel against Amber's aggression. I think Dalt would have wanted it used for that purpose.

Rex raises both eyebrows at that, but remains silent.

Sean finds something to look at other than Vance and Mordred.

Mordred smiles, "That makes good sense," he pauses, "but now tell me, Amber and Chaos war, and worlds perish even if their armies do not yet fight. What path do you counsel the Court of Night to take in this struggle?"

Vance says "A defensive path would be the best choice. You will not bring about Arcadia's survival in this crisis by striking out at Amber. You know what they seek...it must be defended. If it falls, so does the entire realm...Dark and Light alike. My allies and I are the ones drawing Amber's ire, through our actions. It is our hope that our actions will cause Amber to reconsider its aggressions.""

Mordred turns serious, "And here lies the heart. You suggest we protect the design against Amber? How? What good did the fortress of Begma do to protect the realm of Begma against the Pattern?"

Vance says "I know how Begma was destroyed. Knowing that, you would know how to defend against such an attempt. Their only other option would be a full military strike...and any victory they could achieve would have such a high cost as to be impractical."

Krinac says "Impractical to who? To Amber? The Lords of Order care little for who dies in their battles. You speak of Begma and Kahsfa, have you not heard who else has fallen?""

Sean looks at Mordred sharply. "There have been others?"

Vance frowns. "I have not heard of other losses. What has occurred?"

Mordred says grimly, "Julian has taken The Keep of the Four Worlds."

Vance coughs. "I am...impressed. Jasra is a difficult opponent. Or, should I be referring to her in the past tense?"

Sean's jaw drops, and he looks at Reed.

Jeanette frowns. Demurely.

Mordred says, "While it is difficult to kill any with magic, not a word has been heard from her since Julian stormed her citadel."

Rex directs a piercing gaze at Mordred, "Have you heard any news of a place called Nadir? The place is a dive, but..."

Reed shares a glance with Sean, and dips his head a bit.

Vance nods. "The struggle grows more difficult. But there are few options. You know as well as I that Amber prefers the power here purified of the Flaw."

Sean whispers to Reed.

Mordred says to Rex, "I have not heard of Nadir, but that heartens me to know that powers I do not know take up this struggle."

Rex nods. "I hope that no news is good news."

Mordred says to Vance, "That would be Amber's preference, perhaps there is another possibility, purge the reflection of the pattern from Arcadia till naught is left but the flaw."

Vance says "That would be Chaos' preference. But neither would be preferable for you. I have studied the Flaw extensively...its strength is because it is in opposition to the Pattern. How can you have a flaw without something to bear it?"

Rex says "Honestly, Vance, that's a question I'd say i sbetter left unexplored. It sounds too much like pure Chaos, to me."

Mordred replies, "Let us set the consequences aside for now. Is it possible to destroy the mark of the Pattern?"

Sean shrugs.

Vance says "Yes. Or to purify it. Make sure none of Amber's blood undertake a walk, and supervise your initiates carefully. It takes one of each to perform the necessary purification ritual."

Madrak asks, "Purify? Do you mean to make whole? How about destroying the mark?"

Vance says "I do not know the specific ritual to destroy the mark. But anything can be destroyed. Chaos would probably know the specifics...I've had to concentrate on Amber's efforts, since they are closer in the grand scheme of things."

Jeanette says "Would not such destruction leave this realm open to the mark of Chaos?"

Mordred says, "So you believe that a Lord of Chaos would know how the mark of the Pattern could be erased?"

Vance says "It stands to reason, yes. You seem very interested in such a possibility, Mordred. I offer warning...any such act would eradicate Arcadia, and much of your powers in the process."

Mordred says, "Eradicate Arcadia? Not just the Court of Light?"

Vance says "Yes - all of Arcadia. You cannot have Light without Darkness, or Darkness without Light. The two portions of the Flaw are irrevocably tied together."

Mordred turns grim and pulls a cord, a servant enters, "Tell Lord Yama that I want to see him, immediately."

Sean says "Chaos would likely take over whatever was left of the place, if anything."

Vance frowns. "Yes, I definitely want to meet Lord Yama."

Jeanette murmurs to Vance, "Who is Lord Yama?"

Mordred turns on Vance, "He is a guest. If you wish to retain your standing you will remember that. Naught but words will you exchange with him under my roof."

Vance nods. "As you will. I respect the right of hospitality for as long as it is offered."

Sean looks worried. He mutters to Reed.

Lord Yama strides in, small but confident. "You sent for me, so do I come. What is your wish King Mordred?"

King Mordred says, "Allow me to make introductions, this is Vance, Master of the Flaw. Vance, meet Yama, High Lord of Chaos."

Vance smiles. "Greetings, Lord Yama. From my recent encounters with Amber, I wonder if Chaos is ready to give me a medal?"

Nayda starts.

Sean moves over to Nayda, and murmurs to her.

Nayda whispers to Sean.

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