Krinac says, "There are two poles to the universe, the Courts of Chaos 
and Amber where dwell the Lords of Order."
Krinac says, "Between these two extremes lie the shadow."

Krinac says, "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."

Krinac says, "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."



Krinac: We last left off with you in a caravan together. A caravan on 
a long journey from Chiare in search of new trade routes. As you round 
a corner through the mountains, you find the way in front of you 
blocked by a landslide. As the caravan comes to a halt, men on the 
nearby mountainside begin shooting arrows at the guards... What are 
you doing?

Vance to Krinac: Vance tries to intercept the shot he knows 
will be coming at Sunfall.

Sunfall grabs whatever cover is handy and makes her way toward the 
enemy, junaive in hand.

Vance calls out, "Ambush!" He quickly scans the area to assess the 
strength of the attackers.

Krinac: Sunfall rushes toward the ambushers, gaining a little shelter 
behind boulders. To get closer she will have to expose herself to arrow 
fire. Most of the merchants and guards have taken shelter behind the 
wagons, some are drawing missile weapons of their own. The cries of the 
wounded can be heard above all else.

Vance moves his steed up by Sunfall, before jumping off and sending the 
horse towards the back of the caravan.

Sunfall grabs a handy rock and after taking aim, tries to bean one of 
the ambushers.

Krinac: Sunfall throws a rock which hits one of the attackers in the 
armor and doesn't accomplish much. Vance joins Sunfall crouched in the 
poor shelter of a few boulders, with the attackers above on the high 
ground. There are at least six bowmen, and perhaps some swordmen up 
there as well.

Vance frowns. "I think we're going to need more than a few rocks to 
stop them."

Sunfall says, "Right."

Sunfall says, "Any ideas?"

Vance says, "I have a few spells, kept in case of emergency. But I 
won't be able to handle them all at once."

Sunfall says, "Can you flush them out, or screw up the archers?"
Vance to Krinac: This is a mountain pass. As such, it should have at 

least some wind flowing through it...enough for my Wind Blast to be at 
a decent strength.

Krinac to Vance: Wind burst will ruin arrow fire for a while, but it 
won't be able to hurt anyone.
Vance says, "I can redirect the wind in this place for a brief time to 
deflect their arrow fire, or release a spell that may flush them out. 
That's all."

Sunfall says, "I suggest you flush them. That will give us the support 
of the other caravan guards."

Vance to Krinac: Vance gauges the perch of the enemy, and picks a 
target spot that would most inconvenience them. "I'm going to cast 
Hellfire, and blow apart the perch for the archers, giving the caravan 
guards time to rush them. I'll try and avoid covering us in a landslide 
in the process."

Vance peeks out briefly to look at where the archers are, then takes 
cover again. He begins incanting, concentrating on the open palm of his 
right hand. A black sphere slowly begins to form, becoming a solid 
shell. Vance isn't done, though, and continues to incant.

Krinac to Vance: Pose the spell causing a landslide killing three guards.

Sunfall signals for the other caravan guards to get ready...

Though the sphere remains black, it seems to somehow seethe with power. 
The sphere begins to bulge, and finally, just as it seems ready to 
burst, Vance stands and points his palm at the archer's perch. A 
white-hot blast fires forth from a fissure appearing in the sphere, 
bright enough to force you to avert your gaze. Like a runaway star, it 
slams into the side of the mountain, and a small landslide comes down 
upon the archers.

The sphere dissipates right after the blast is fired, and Vance calls 
out, "Now!"

Sunfall prepares to attack the raiders as they pass.

Vance to Krinac: Vance notes that it won't be immediately apparent 

which raiders were killed by the landslide.

Krinac: It works as desired. Several men rush out from the boulders, 
some of them are hit by arrows from those guards hidden among the 
wagons. Vance and Sunfall are pelted by rocks, and then the ambushers 
are upon your position. What are you doing?

Vance draws his blade, and stays near Sunfall to protect her back.

Sunfall attacks the nearest raider en passant with a rising slash.

Vance to Krinac: Vance is playing defensive. He's more interested in 
observing Sunfall than causing damage, but won't risk his life just 
for a peek at her combat prowness.

Krinac: Sunfall rises to meet the charging guards. Her weapon slides 
forward with a rising slash, which meets armor, and slides right 
through it leaving a bloody corpse. Vance steps up behind her, 
engaging another guard, which gives Sunfall the seconds she needs to 
throw the corpse off her juniave.

Sunfall glances briefly around.

Vance parries the guard's blade with his scimitar, steps back, and then 
launches a succession of quick, slashing strikes.

Krinac: The situation is disorganized. There is only one ambusher next 
to the two of you. Vance is presses him hard, and he is hard-pressed to 
match Vance's attacks. The rest rushed on past and are trying to take 
out the archers before they can draw a bead on them. There are more 

afoot than there were archers, and above you see movement...perhaps 
not all the archers were killed.

Sunfall: I rush up to find out if any enemy archers remain, weapon at 
the ready.

Vance to Krinac: As soon as Sunfall's attention is off me, I catch the 

man's blade in my free hand, and kill him quickly.
Krinac to Vance: Done!

Krinac: Sunfall rushes up to the top, where one archer is restringing 
his bow. Vance, finally dispatches his opponent.

Sunfall: I restring the archer and then rush to aid in the general 
melee.

Vance goes to help protect the wagons.
Krinac: To make a long story short, you deal with the rest of the 
ambushers, with little more than a few merchants harmed... the battle 
ends when the last bandit flees from Sunfall, only to die at Vance's 

hand as he sought to flee.

Krinac to Vance: Didn't think you wanted any alive to answer questions.

Vance to Krinac: Correct.

Krinac: Neither of you are wounded, and healers are already attending 
to the injured.

Vance walks over to Sunfall. "I've gotten the last of them." He pauses, 
then says in a quieter voice, "Why didn't you use magic?"

Sunfall says "Chiaran sorcery wasn't called for. Please do not press."

Vance simply nods. "We were hard-pressed. Will the caravan be able to 
continue?"

Sunfall says "Certainly. Merchants are much more resilient than they 
look."

Vance says, "Good." He is quiet for a moment, then says, "You are a 
good person to have around in a fight. I am glad I chose this caravan 
to travel with."

Sunfall says "Likewise. I don't know how long my journey will be, but 
this leg of it will be interesting at least."

Vance says "Well, I should recover my mount. If I do not get a chance 
to speak to you before I depart from the caravan, perhaps our paths 
will cross again. Maybe even to our mutual benefit."

Sunfall nods. "Until then."



Vance to Krinac: I want to leave Sunfall a sealed note before I depart 
the caravan. I'll have called up the Chaire BP with the gloves, and it 
will say in Chaire runic 'yours is a fire long contained, that yearns 
to be free' (does that match what I have assessed about her?).

Krinac to Vance: It fits her well.

Vance: I think that's about it, though I will bid Sunfall goodbye 
before I leave the caravan.

Sunfall says, "Until we meet again, Honorable Vance."

Vance bows. "Until we meet again." He pauses, and pulls out a scroll 
tube, sealed with wax. "This is for you...something from my long years 
of research." He hands it over, bows again, and says, "Good journeys, 
Honorable Sunfall."

Vance to Krinac: I've taken care of it. It's unsigned, but in the scroll 

tube. I'll let you tell her the nature of the note.

Sunfall says "Thank you."

Vance rides off.


Krinac to Vance: OK, you just got the mysterious message from the 
Unicorn priest. You are in Kashfa. Any actions that you wish to do?

Vance to Krinac: Well, I can either scout things out myself, or start 

calling up some help. (the latter is more PC-oriented).

You paged Krinac with 'If I get help, Sunfall's first. She'll be the 
easiest to deal with.'.

Krinac pages: Sunfall has one scene to go yet. You could talk to 
Jeanette now though...

Vance to Krinac: Vance nods. "I will start gathering information about 

Jeanette's whereabouts, but she's an unknown factor. I'd rather not 
have her on board until I have someone else who I feel is on my side. 
Sunfall's easier to control than Jeanette."


Krinac: Ok, then I'll add my filler scene. As you are leaving the 
building, and making your way through the allies of Kashfa, someone 
tries to step out behind you.

Vance turns, quickly, and steps to give him the necessary space to 
react to an attack.

Krinac: You step back, he's holding a sapper (leather bag full of sand) 

in his hand, and tries to flee once you've made him.

Vance to Krinac: Bad choice on his part. Thrown dagger to one leg, then 

draw my scimitar and back him into a wall.

The kid is backed into a wall and begins to sweat. "Hey take my money, 
I don't have much of anything."

Vance says in a quiet voice, "You were the one who wished to rob me, 
remember? Are you freelance, or working for a boss?"

The kid says, "Which answer will get me out of this alley alive?"

Vance replies, "Both. You've proved that you're not a real threat, and 

I've had to do similar things to earn a meal in the past. But I will 
want my dagger back.'.

The boy looks at you, "I'm not sure if I trust you Vance, but I'll 
take a chance. I was freelance, but there is a high price on your head, 

but only if it's taken alive. Someone wants you to answer some 
questions."

Vance reaches down, keeping the blade in a threatening position. He 
pulls out his dagger from the boy's leg, steps back, and says, "Bind 
the wound. Then, you'll get the consolation prize. I will pay you 
a...reasonable sum, to lead me to where I can find the person who you 
would have given me to. I would suggest using the cash to get your 
wound sewn up...and perhaps look for a healthier profession."

Krinac: He leads you to a tavern. "Black Jack is the one I would have 

taken you to see. He isn't the only one asking, but he was offering the 
most money. I don't want to walk in there with you. If you don't mind, 
I'll leave you now."

Vance to Krinac: Vance hands him enough money to get his wound fixed 

and to live on for a few weeks. "If you're determined to stay in the 
business, see Nasim on Crow Street. He'll quickly be able to determine 
if you're suited for the work."

Long distance to Krinac: Vance then walks into the tavern...after 
bringing the Broken Pattern to mind. The sign will not be physically 
manifested, but ready in case I need it.

Madrak
A man with an eyepatch and an alpenstock. He moves with a certain 
deliberateness that gives even his body a sense of pupose and power 
constrained, fat as a eunuch, but not. His voice seems to be 
centrally located, so deeply potent does it stir. His gait is steady, 
his hands are hard. His flesh is ruddy, and his heavy jaw is framed 
by a week's growth of beard, dark like his hair, and recently 
trimmed. His right eye is a gray wheel, rolling, and all colors are 
missing from the dark blot of his garments. He could be a preacher, 
or a monk. His staff is polished by long ownership and frequent use, 
and his dark clothes have been long worn and oft mended, though they 
are clean and neat.

Krinac: Location: A tavern in Kashfa. Typical grime and seaport tavern. 

Sailors, a few tarts, food, and cheap beer.

Krinac: A person to note is a very fat, black man wearing a loop of bone for a 

earring sitting in the corner.

Krinac: Madrak is already seated, Vance just walked in.

Vance walks into the tavern, and his gaze passes over the room, searching for 

someone.

Vance to Krinac: I'm checking for signs of power as I look around.

Krinac to Vance: There is something very strange about Madrak.

Madrak turns to regard the new arrival.

Black Jack starts when he sees Vance, and gestures at two big guards 
beside him.

Vance frowns, and a strange circular sigil, lined with dark streaks, 
comes into being. Tendrils of smoke-shot yellow light come forth from 
it, two towards each guard. "I hear that you were looking for me, 
Jack..."

Madrak drains his ale, and watches.

Krinac: Both Madrach and Vance will notice a third guard, a 
crossbowman, on the balcony by the rooms.

Vance to Krinac: Grab the two guards, and throw them in the direction 
of the crossbowman.

Jack sweats, "Now Vance, be reasonable, I'm a businessman. I don't cut 
the deals, I'm just a middleman."

Madrak stands ponderously, and hefts his empty mug, as if considering 
the journey to the bar for a refill against the merits of waiting for 
one of the barmaids to come buy.

The tendrils shoot out and grab the two guards. Vance gestures, and 
they are thrown in the direction of the crossbowman. Vance uses the 
opportunity to close with Jack. "Those who do the dirty work are always 
blamed. Care to make a different deal, Jack?"

The thrown bodies crash into the crossbowman. At least one of the 
guards is staggering slowly to his feet.

Black Jack, "There have been all sorts of people asking about you 
Vance. I don't know why, but suddenly you are the hottest thing since 
the pocket in the pita."

Vance gestures, and tendrils grab Jack. "Call your men off, or you'll 
be dead before they can try me again."

Jack bellows, "Peace, me and my old buddy Vance are just having a nice 
friendly-type discussion. No need for violence."

Madrak begins to make his way toward the bar, moving slowly.

Vance moves to the corner, and the tendrils carry Jack so he is 
interposed between Vance and the guards. He says quietly, "I want a 
name, Jack. And if you lie to me, I'll know."

Jack sweats, "I don't know who all is bidding. Rinaldo has put in an 
offer but he wasn't the first asking. I was just going to put you on 
hold, and wait for the highest bidder to show, and let them deal with 
it. There is someone who is real quiet that has been moving behind the 
scenes here, and I don't know who it is, but I bet the shadow man would 
have made the highest bid. It smacks of Amber.

Madrak orders another ale, turning the empty mug slowly in circles on 
the bar, while he waits with the sort of fascination possible in the 
drunk.

Krinac to Vance: What does Jack know about you anyway... he's well-
connected with the underworld, does he know you are master of the flaw, 
and a master assassin, or what all... he's old enough to predate Jasra.

Vance continues to speak quietly. "I'm not without allies, Jack - 
remember that. Now, if Rinaldo wants to turn this from a shell game 
into a war, that's his choice. Stay out of the bidding, Jack, it isn't 
worth dying over. Take your men, and get out of here. I may have my own 
offer for you later...but not here. Not now."

Vance releases Jack, but the tendrils continue to float nearby.

Vance to Krinac: Jack would know I'm master of the flaw. If he's old 

enough, he may remember me from my assassin days.

Vance to Krinac: If I've used my powers anywhere, it's here. I've been 

around too long not to have been forced into it at least once.

Jack says, "A little peace offering if you haven't heard yet Vance. 
Rinaldo burned Amber bad. They had another horse they wanted to put 
the crown on. Rinaldo grabbed it and married Coral, just about 
settling the Eregor problem. It may be they just know you and him don't 
get along, and they want you to take a crack at offing him.

Jack says, "He also offed Lord Caine. Amber will forget that when hell 
freezes over." Jack fearfully hurries out.

Madrak takes a long pull from his mug of ale, watching Jack's departure 
with his one gray eye.

Vance watches Jack go, and the sigil fades from view, along with the 
tendrils. He then signals for a mug of ale, and gazes about the bar. 
His gaze pauses on Madrak for a moment longer than the rest of the 
patrons.

Vance to Krinac: Still have the BP up, but not manifested.

Madrak returns Vance's gaze, looking thoughtful.

Madrak smirks a little over his ale.

Vance to Krinac: Anything more specific about what's strange about 
Madrak?

Vance takes his ale, and sips at it lightly. He then sets it down, and 
glances to the air for a moment before returning to his drink.

Vance to Krinac: Translation: I test the ale for poison, drop the BP 

lens, and then drink a bit more.

Krinac to Vance: No poison.

Madrak appears to consider something, then half-drains his ale, and 
begins to make his slow way toward Vance.

Krinac to Vance: Madrak has a dark aura about him... it isn't the 
flaw, but it isn't anything else you recognize either.

Vance glances up at Madrak as he approaches. "Take a seat, if you 
wish."

Madrak smiles. "Thank you," he rumbles, and settles heavily into a 
chair.

Vance takes a draught, before saying, "Such scenes as happened earlier 
are not common."

Madrak nods. "I rather think not. Still, it was interesting."

Vance nods. "And informative."

Madrak says "Quite. I suppose the object of such bidding--and 
contention--must be equally interesting."

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: 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." ("Another observer who may 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.
Madrak whispers "By all means, invite her over if you wish."
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?"
You say "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."
You say "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."
Jeanette has partially disconnected.
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 varagies 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 
pilgram, 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."
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."
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."