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

There's a sucker born every minute.
     -P.T. Barnum

Whatever you do, please don't throw me into that briar patch!
     -Brer Rabbit

Do you want to shoot him now or wait until you get home?
     -Bugs Bunny

Understanding is a three-edged sword: your side, their side, and the truth.
     -Vorlon saying

The hardest thing in life is to know which bridge to cross and which to burn.
     -David Russell

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 has arrived in the faerie realm of Alfar.

And there, for the first time they face a representative of Chaos...

...

Krinac says "The NPCs Ariadne, Middenriddle, Aranor, and Reed currently accompany the party."
Krinac says "Presently you are in an audience with Mordred, King of the Unseelie Court, in his stronghold."
Krinac says "Lord Yama has just been summoned to speak with you."
Krinac says "Oops, Nayda is also present."
Krinac says "I'm going to repost a few of the lines from last session..."

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

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 definately 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."

Krinac says "Now a short time passes between the servant being summoned and Yama's arrival. You may talk among yourselves."

Rex looks to be deep in thought.

Krinac answers a page openly, "King Mordred is still present, but for the moment appears lost in thought on his throne.

Rex clears his throat, "Majesty, if I may ask..."

Mordred turns to Rex, "Ask."

Sean motions to Vance. "There's something you should know," he says quietly.

Jeanette simply waits, listening.

Vance turns to Sean. "Which is?"

Rex says "Sire, while we await Lord Yama, I ask permission to summon one who would join the ranks of our group; this occaision is not to be missed, methinks."

Sean lowers his voice, facing Vance with his back to Mordred. "Nayda says this Lord Yama is an apprentice of someone named Lord Suhuy... does that mean anything to you?"

Mordred considers, "Very well, summon your companion."

Vance hmms. "Unfortunately, no."

Rex withdraws to a polite distance, and retrieves a card from a pocket. He directs his gaze upon it...

Sean says "She also said he might be a possible successor as something called 'Master of the Logrus.'""

At this additional bit of news, Vance frowns. "Which means he should be more than a match for any one of us. Including me."

Vance adds, "I knew Chaos would figure into the equation, eventually."

Sunfall looks at Vance. You wouldn't mind if I left for a bit. I have little to say to a demon lord.

Vance turns. "Actually, Sunfall, I would mind. I need you here."

Sunfall says "Why?"

Krinac says "The point is moot. The doors slide open as if of their own accord, and Yama, Lord of Chaos enters the chamber."

Sunfall looks at the ground, pointedly ignoring Yama.

Vance turns back towards Mordred, without further comment to Sunfall.

Sean glances at Sunfall, then Yama.

Yama says, "You sent for me, your majesty?"

Sunfall unobtrusively steps back a bit, wandering toward a nearby corner.

Mordred acknowledges Yama, "Yes. I have received other guests." (Yama introduces everyone, Rex strangely ignores everyone staring at a card during the introductions). "Vance has some expertise in matters arcane and he disagrees with your suggestions."

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

Lord Yama smiles, (indeed he smiled at all the introductions), "Perhaps that could be arranged if circumstances warrant. I take it Amber was not kind to you."

Sean snorts.

Sean says "Aye, you could say that."

Vance shrugs. "Like any kingdom that believes the universe to be under its dominion, it acts to maintain that illusion. How can I fault them for succumbing to their own delusions?"

Yama smiles at Sean, "Ah, but one can expect no better of Amber." His gaze shifts to Jeanette, lingering for a bit, then he turns back to Vance, "So you fault them not at all, interesting, so what, pray tell, is your objection to my little proposal?"

Vance says "Well, to begin, I liken it to a virgin giving advice about sex."

Rex looks over at the group, then back at the card.

Sunfall chooses a spot in the corner and sits crosslegged on the floor, her junaive across her knees.

Sean blinks, and glances at Reed. "Uh-oh."

Lord Yama says, "Is that your only objection to my modest proposal?"

Rex speaks, softly, apparently to the card.
Rex extends his hand.

Vance chuckles. "Oh, there's much more. The interaction between the flaw and the Pattern here is what gives Arcadia's initiates power. Their conflict strengthens each other. You remove the Pattern...you kill the flaw."

Julin appears, first as a violet shadow, then flickering through the rainbow of colors until he is solid, clasping Rex's hand.

Rex shakes Julin's hand. "Pleased to meet you, Julin. Allow me to present you to the King, and the others."

Sunfall lifts an eyebrow as she gazez measuringly at the newcomer.

Julin clasps Rex's hand firmly, but only briefly, releasing it quickly to turn toward the man identified as King and lowering himself to one knee, head down, and pressing the knuckles of one fist against the floor.

Rex rejoins the group. "Sire, may I present Lord Julin. Julin, His Majesty, King Mordred; Lord Yama; Vance, leader of our merry Band; Jeanette, Sunfall, Sean, Aranor, Middenriddle, Nayda..."

Yama turns to watch Julin trump in, then glances back at Vance almost dismissively, "Anything else?", but he returns his gaze to Julin's arrival.

"...Reed, and Ariadne."

Ariadne seems to bristle at Yama's slight of Vance.

Sean scowls. "Aye, there might be at that."

Julin stands before giving Yama a less deferential bow. He nods to each of the others as they are named and identified. He ties a strap of leather around the hilt of his sword with his left hand, without interrupting his other activities.

Vance says "I assayed the flaws of Light and Dark before Chaos even noticed this realm. Mordred has known me for quite a while, and he knows that I bear the same mark he does. You, Lord Yama, are an outsider. You have no interest in Arcadia's survival."
Vance hasn't even noted Julin's presence, due to his focus on Yama.

Lord Yama turns to Vance with a sigh, "You are jumping to conclusions that are unjustified, but given the limited state of your knowledge, you could hardly do otherwise. Imrimis, the advice I offer is not untested, but proved when the virtue of the Pattern itself was soiled. Secundus, while the power of the Court of Night as it exists today does indeed derive in part from the Pattern, there is a more ancient power beneath that.
Lord Yama continues, "As some of us" (he looks at Mordred) "are old enough to recall. Tertius, while I am not now from time immemorial, I am the enemy of your enemy"
Lord Yama concludes looking at Mordred, not Vance, "And that is sufficient reason for my aid and advice to be considered."

Sean says "Chaos and Amber both pose a threat to the lesser realms, do they not?"
Sean says "What interest does Chaos have beyond simply causing whatever harm it can to Amber? We'll be used and discarded."

Vance snorts. "Propoganda. You offer the two birds in the bush, without any evidence to back it up. You claim damage caused to the Pattern by an unstable Prince of Amber as your proof, and your 'expert' opinion is given without being a master of either portion of Arcadia's design of power.

Lord Yama's skull-like visage turns to Sean, "Certainly you'll be used. My proposal does cause gain for Chaos by weakening the power of the Pattern. The question at hand is what you gain for that useage, and the answer, freedom. This court would be free of the Pattern's influence."

Sean says "As ashes are free of the threat of fire."

Vance says "Indeed, Sean."

Lord Yama smiles for Vance, "So it is a test you want? Very well name the realm. Ghenesh perhaps? Weirmokken? Maybe Ys would be best. Not good for much else anyway."

Jeanette frowns, slightly.

Sunfall stands.

Rex sneaks away. Even paranoids have enemies, you know.

Sean says "Ask us to sacrifice two realms to your schemes? Aye, that'd suit chaos, wouldn't it?"

Vance gives a predatory grin. "As you can see, Mordred, Chaos would sacrifice a Broken Pattern without a second thought. What reason do they have to keep Arcadia intact? Like Amber, they seek only to gain the advantage against their foe, without concern for what lies in between." He turns directly to Mordred. "You know I have an interest in Arcadia, and I have been here for the land. He has not."

Mordred nods acknowledging Vance's claim.

Julin listens carefully, with a furrowed brow.

Lord Yama pauses, then turns to Vance, "So you have only the interest of the Court of Night at heart? Would you be willing to seal your words under a Gease?" He looks at Vance challengingly. "I am willing to seal mine."

Lord Mordred sits upright, suddenly very interested.

Vance says "I know an Amberite could break that geas, and I suspect you could as well. Mordred knows the Court of Night is not my only interest...otherwise, I would live here. But I will state, under geas, that I do not seek any harm to the Court of Night, and that I consider Mordred to be a valuable ally."

Sean says "There are ways and ways around a geasa."

King Mordred raises his hand. "Enough. Enough words. Do either of you have any concrete proof to offer?"

Vance says "I have travelled far. I have yet to see evidence of the Flaw, independent of a Pattern. And I have studied the Broken Patterns for centuries."

Lord Yama says, "I do. Begma. Kashfa. The Keep of the Four Worlds. If you will act on my modest proposal what action will you take?"

Sean says "Begma has been destroyed by tampering with the source of its power, and now you propose to do it with better results?"

King Mordred says, "I will consider both of your words. You are all dismissed for now, and have the freedom of the keep. You are all guests in my home. I will condone no violence. That is all for today."
King Mordred stands signalling an end to the audience.

Julin nods respectfully to the King.

Jeanette bows to the King, then turns to the rest of the group.

Lord Yama bows, then turns with a smile for Vance and Sean, and a lingering glance for Jeanette, and then he departs.

Vance nods politely to Mordred, then turns to his companions. "We should speak further in the morning."

Jeanette inclines her head.

Sean bows shortly to the King.

Sunfall nods curtly before exiting the room, half at a run.

Sean says "We should speak now, I think."

Rex bows to Mordred, turns to Vance, and nods. "Should anyone wish the pleasure of my company, I shall be holding court in the kitchens...I'm famished."
Rex turns to Sean. "Over dinner?"

Julin says, "I would appreciate the opportunity to get to know Rex's compatriots."

Vance frowns, as he watches Sunfall leave. "Not here. Come to my quarters after dinner. And find out what the hell's wrong with Sunfall."

Jeanette nods, and follows Sunfall out.

Vance glances to Julin. "Welcome. My apologies for the...display...that you just witnessed."

Sean frowns. "I've been warned off faerie food.

Rex smiles at Julin. "I had hoped to entice us all to get acquainted over refreshments, and do just that; at any rate, I intend to do so, myself. Care to join me? Alternately, you might accompany Vance, and get to know our leader, first."

Julin says, "Clearly, there is much at stake."

Reed asks, "He said we have the run of the keep, does that extend to the design of power, or is that elsewhere?"

Vance says "You will not be permitted there, Reed. And given the current state of affairs, I will be wroth if you ask for admittance."

Julin says, "This 'Flaw' is a source of power?"

Vance says "Not precisely. It's the interaction between the design, and the flaw in that design, that gives power here."

Reed says, "One of the few clues we were offered to what action we should do is that I should be making a map. I'll be patient for now, but I believe it is important."

Sean hms. "There's something I've been confused about. Is the design here, or in Titania's land?"

Julin nods, as if that was the most sensible thing in the world. "If you are the leader here, would you prefer I go with Rex to the kitchen, or follow you?"

Vance frowns. "I will not discuss the location. Let us just say that the site is neutral, and leave it at that."
Vance shrugs. "Go talk with Rex. He is an...interesting individual."

Sean gives Vance a disgusted look. "If you continue to keep even your allies at a distance Vance, you'll end up standing alone, sooner or later." He turns, and walks off.

Julin peers after Sean. "He would have you divulge the location of a Sign of Power?"

Vance nods to Julin. "Exactly. It would be a breach of trust with Mordred that I cannot afford at this time. I will be in my quarters." Vance turns, and begins to walk off.

Julin turns to follow Rex.

Reed follows Sean.

Rex smiles. "I guess it's us four, then," he says, including Aranor and Middenriddle, "and some explanations may be in order. Let's eat."

Julin says, "Certainly some would be welcome."

Rex nods, and seeks out the kitchens.

Julin follows Rex.

Rex finds the kitchens, and proceeds to fix vast quantities of food. Middenriddle looks distressed, and moves to do it, but Aranor makes subtle gestures, quieting him.

Julin eats nothing, apparently having eaten recently. He sits and lets rex quench some of his hunger before interrupting with conversation.

Rex eats ravenously, Aranor voraciously, and Midden with half-hearted gusto, as if trying to live up to the other two.

Julin says, "It has been a long trip coming here?"

Rex nods, and swallows. "We have traveled many worlds, and seen the death of more than one. Amber and Chaos are devouring all the lesser sources of Power, and destroying all that lies in their path. The fools will leave nothing to claim victory over, in the end."

Julin says, "I am not familiar with these... Kingdoms?" The word seems to trouble him. "Amber, and Chaos."

Rex pauses with the sandwich partway to his mouth. "I had hoped you might be. Allow me to answer your question with a question. You spoke of the Spheres; tell me of them...they are nations, continents, worlds?"

Julin says, "The spheres are the parts of the World, sundered by the Chasm."

Rex says "Do you believe in other Worlds?"

Julin shakes his head. "Of course not. How could there be any other Worlds?" He seems serious, but after a moment's pause, he grins, and asks, "If we are not among the Spheres, where are we?

Rex seems to ponder this.
Rex says "Bide a moment; that is more difficult a question to answer than you may realize. Fortunately, I have an excellent answer...or I will, in a moment."

Julin says, "Other worlds are something of a well-kept secret among the Spheres."

Rex nods, and his eyes tighten. They widen back, and the whites seem rather grey; maybe they were all along, and you didn't notice..."Have you ever been to one?"

Aranor and Midden look at one another, and back at Rex.

Julin says, "I was not among the Spheres when you contacted me."

Rex nods. "We are in a realm called Arcadia, a kind of...Faerie realm of magick and weirdness. I rather like it here, it reminds me of home. Yama was the first Chaosian we have met; we have had run-ins with Amber, before." He smiles, to himself, it seems.

Julin nods, listening.

Rex says "To answer your question, Amber and Chaos are the two great Powers at either pole of existence. They constantly seek to gain advantage over one another, and of late, their struggle has taken a dark turn, swallowing up lesser Powers to add to their own strength. They must be stopped before they destroy the Universe. Each member of our party hails from a world in peril, a place of Power. As, I assume, do you."

Julin shifts topics, suddenly. "I understand that you cannot tell me who gave you my Image. Nor would I attempt to subvert whatever promise you may have made by asking you if it were a specific person. Were you to tell me that you had not received it from the traitor Allyna, you would be helping me to determine who it was, which you cannot do. Since you cannot tell me that you received it from someone else, it would not be fair for me to assume that you received it from her."

Rex says "You speak as a man of honor would of such a matter, yet you manage to voice a suspicion even so. The crimes of this person must have been heinous indeed, to make you skirt the bounds of propriety in such a way."

Ariadne is looking for Sunfall.

Julin looks pained. "She has attempted to destroy one of the Signs of Power of my world."

Rex blinks, looking truly surprised this time. He schools his expression to one of neutrality. "A desperate means to render your world safe from depredation, perhaps. I know nothing of the matter."

Julin lowers his voice, somewhat. "She was forced into a foolhardy oath to a traitor, who wished to plunge the Empire into war and chaos. I don't beleive she could have been aware of any threat of depredation, at that time."

Rex nods. "Well, as I said, it is a matter foreign to me. Assuming you believe my tale, you can see that your world is indeed in peril of annexation at best, and oblivion at worst. Will you join us?"

Julin says, "My king has commanded me to find this traitor. If I cannot rule out the possibility that she has given you my Image, it seems reasonable to remain with you, as I have no other leads."

Rex smiles, slowly. "There are those among us who can walk the Worlds, and be guided by their Power to that which they seek. If you remain with us, we can surely find Allyna in this way. I'm sure Vance would be delighted for you to join our little company, and the needs of each are considered."

Julin says, "May I ask how?"

Rex shrugs. "I don't know exactly how it works. I can travel the Worlds, and get where I'm going, but my Power is...quite different than the others." He looks up, looks you in the eye for the first time in a while. His eyes are fully silvery, but fade to normal as you watch.

Julin nods.
Julin asks, "You travel between worlds by some sort of vehicle? By instantaneous transport?"

Rex smiles. "My comings and goings are varied, and sometimes unpredictable. I mentioned earlier that I escaped prison to join up, and I was not kidding. There are times when I will round a corner, or pass a threshold, and I suddenly find myself home...then I have to break free again, and find my way back. I begin to think my source of Power is sentient, with it timing of such. My own means of travel is not nearly so efficient...but it is an unpleasant subject. Had any good headaches lately? Those are the least of my troubles with this madness...er, Power."

Aranor rises. "Rex, the hour grows late. Perhaps you should retire, and conserve your strength." Middenriddle looks overjoyed.

Julin nods. "Perhaps it is time we rejoined Vance?"

Rex nods. "Even so. Yes, friend Aranor, you are correct as usual. Let us rejoin our fearless leader, and partake of his wisdom." He rises.

Julin stands, and follows Rex back to Vance's apartments.

Rex knocks on Vance's door.

[Nobody answers.]

Rex shrugs. "Tomorrow, I suppose. Let's find you a room, and I shall retire for the evening."

Julin frowns. "It is usual for him to arrange a meeting and dissappear?"

Rex shakes his head. "The ways of Vance rival my own in mystery."
Rex tries the latch.

[The door is locked.]

Julin moves to the door, with a quick, "May I?" to Rex.

Rex nods, and backs off.

Julin knocks heavily on the door twice, the second time resting his knuckles against the door.

Vance arrives from down the hallway just as Julin gets his door to open.
Vance glances at Julin and Rex. "Ahem."

Julin asks, "All is well, Vance?"

Rex says "Vance! We heard your frantic cries for help, and thought that Caine had you."

Julin pushes the door open. "Huh. I thought you said it was locked?"

Rex says "Guess I need to work out more."

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