SHARDS
The Origin of Thule, as told in the Book of Lir
As Lir was wandering the oceans he came upon the land of Thule. He found 
an island with rolling pasturelands as sleek and as green as the waves 
of a summer sea. The flowers are so richly scented that they make the 
warm air as intoxicating as wine.
Lir found great herds of cattle grazing in the pastures., and the 
countryside dotted with many small streams and lakes. Their waters are 
as clear as crystal and as fragrant as clover. The hillsides of Thule 
shined with veins of white, black, and red marble and with deposits of 
every kind of precious metal.
The great god discovered that the people of Thule were singularly 
handsome and intelligent, but so newly created that they had no leaders 
or social organisation.
As Lir explored the land he came to a hill rising from the very center 
of the largest island, and he climbed through its flowering forests 
until, close to summit, he found the abode of the most beautiful woman 
he had ever seen.
She told him her name was Cleito. The dazzling glance of her sea-blue 
eyes, and the sumptuous beauty of her face and form, aroused such lust 
in the potent deity that he conquered her without delay. She responded 
ardently to his power and splendour and in due course bore him ten fine 
sons.
Lir is the most violent and most jealous of the gods, distrustful of all 
mortals including Cleito, and so he isolated her upon her hill by 
digging three great moats around it. Each was about a kilometre wide, 
and separated from the others by a circle of land of the same width. 
Thus great concentric circles of land and water surrounded the Hill of 
Cleito.
When Lir's ten sons grew to maturity he made them all into kings, each 
with responsibility for one-tenth of Thule. Under his orders they formed 
themselves into a council, led by, to rule the nation for the benefit of 
its entire people. 
...
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 Begam is no more. 
Slowly the eyes of the other Shards begin to open. Chiare prepares for 
battle, but most remain blind to the danger. 
And a small band seeks to reach the land of Thule, and to open other 
eyes...
Krinac: "Prestart notes."
Krinac: "Two NPCs currently accompany the party, Reed and Sean"
Vance stands at the bow of the ship, wind whipping about his form.
Krinac: "The thread with Vance, Jeanette, Sunfall, and Madrak is still 
public."
Krinac: "Calamus and Rex can stay and listen, I'll be paging them 
actions as soon as I get the main group started."
Krinac: "I'm skipping through the journey to the sea. The party could 
afford passage to the sea with the gold they had upon pooling their 
funds."
Krinac: "Although (with the exception of Reed's gemstones) that took 
most of the available petty cash."
Upon reaching the coast, you are able to hire a ship by using one of 
Reed's gemstones to pay for passage.
You are currently onboard the Moonfish, a small ship similar in design 
to a junk, and but with a deeper draft and stronger construction so it 
can handle deep ocean, not just coasting along the shore and from island 
to island.
Vance to Krinac: 'And I still have a few of those gemstones.'.
Krinac to Vance: At least a day and a night to get to Thule, barring bad 
weather. That's with you shifting the way most of the time and you will 
arrive tired. Not tired from exertion, shifting shadow isn't that 
tiring, just tired from staying up all night. If you rest the night, you 
arrive rested, probably before nightfall.
Krinac to Vance: In either case it takes a day to go from the cleft to 
Atlas the capital. This is due to spending most of the day going through 
the locks and canals to get from the sea to the navigable part of the 
river Mariah.
Krinac to Vance: How do you want to do it?
Vance to Krinac: 'I'll rest the night...perhaps I can lead the ship to a 
natural shadowpath so they can make some progress while I sleep.'.
Krinac: "You have a short period of rest during this journey. The 
Moonfish is primarily a cargo vessel and you only have three rooms 
amongst you. (One of them normally the captain's cabin). I'll assume the 
pairings are Jeanette and Sunfall, Sean and Reed, Vance and Madrak."
Jeanette chats with Sunfall, if she will, getting to know her...
Sunfall spends much of the trip practicing balance and fighting 
techniques with the movement of the ship.
Jeanette watches her, and smiles... "Could you teach such things, 
friend?"
Vance spends most of his time at the bow of the ship, somehow guiding 
the way.
Sunfall says "I've only just done my runewalk. I'm hardly a fit 
teacher."
Jeanette says "You are the only one available. And such skills, it 
seems, will be important in the future."
Sunfall says "What is your weapon of choice, if any?"
Jeanette says "The saber, at the moment."
Sunfall says "Do you fight with one or two?"
Krinac to Vance: Madrak comments to you that death seems to lie ahead 
for many of the sailors on this ship.
Vance to Krinac: 'I ask him if that extends to any of our band.'.
Jeanette says "Saber alone, or saber and dagger."
Krinac to Vance: Madrak says, "Not that I can tell."
Sunfall says "Then if you will get them, I'll teach you the T'ei Kai 
Jian dance."
Jeanette smiles. "I will learn gladly." She slips back to her cabin, 
fetching the blades.
Krinac: "Time passes, the day turns to night."
The night is shattered by a blood-curdling scream, followed immediately 
by shouting and the sounds of combat.
Krinac: "Everyone was asleep in their rooms. Actions?'"
Vance to Krinac: Vance sighs, and deletes his pose warning the group to 
stay alert...
Vance and Madrak head topside.
Sunfall slips upstairs, exiting onto the deck by way of the rear hatch.
Jeanette rolls from her bed, springing up blades in hand. She wakes 
Sunfall, if that other has not wakened already, and heads topside.
Vance to Krinac: 'Bringing up the lens, and letting Madrak go first.'.
Upon reaching the deck, you see three crewmen fighting an equal number 
of men dressed all in black so that they fade into the night. Their 
dress does not provide that great an advantage for a latern has been 
dropped and the pool of burning oil that is beginning to spill on deck 
casts a lurid glow over the ship.
The ship is made out of wood, so the dropped lantern is not something 
that can be safely ignored.
Vance to Krinac: Vance glances around for signs of another ship. "Do I 
have any idea where the men came from?"
The men in black kill two of the three sailors as Madrak and Sean rush 
onto deck. The one who is left is hard pressed to hold his ground. Vance 
and Reed follow are just behind them.
Sunfall rushes out the other entrance, with Jeanette trailing behind. 
There are no obvious foes where the two of them are standing.
Vance to Krinac: 'Did I have time to get the lens up?'.
Krinac to Vance: Not yet, still working on getting it up. Too early to 
tell where these people came from.
You say "Reed, take care of the fire. Everyone else, try to take one 
alive."
Madrak spins his staff as he advances.
Sunfall advance towards the sounds of fighting, junaive in hand.
Jeanette slips along beside Sunfall, blades ready.
Vance to Krinac: Vance will keep bringing the lens up. "The rest of the 
group can handle the attackers. Are the sails currently up? I may need 
to place some wind in them should the attackers be coming from another 
ship."
Out of the darkness another figure swathed in black steps out aiming a 
thrust at Jeanette. Backed with surprise and skill, the thrust strikes 
her high in the chest, but Jeanette is able to turn at the last momement 
and the blade misses her heart.
Jeanette slips one hand up to beat the blade aside with her dagger, the 
other thrusting...
Madrak lands a series of blows against the man he is fighting. None of 
them seem to slow his opponent. The man counters by turning his blows 
toward Madrak's staff in an attempt to cut it down to size. 
Sunfall whirls to take stock of the situation between Jeanette and her 
attacker.
Sean faces the other man and gestures with his off hand as he does so, 
the man doubles over, and Sean chops off his sword arm at the wrist. 
Shamus his dog, leaps forth for the man's throat.
The sailor suddenly falls back, he's alive for now, but his entrails 
spill out across the deck.
The other man in black starts toward Vance.
Sean doesn't have time to gloat, another man steps out of the darkness 
to attack him.
Jeanette despite her wound attempts an attack, the man brushes it aside 
with ease, but is forced to step back from Sunfall's sudden thrust 
before he can strike home.
Madrak begins to drive his opponent backward. His opponent fights for 
every step giving ground reluctantly and taking a few scrapes. His 
attempts to lay a blow on Madrak's staff fail.
Krinac to Vance: You have the sign up just as this guy is rushing you. 
What are you doing with it?
Vance to Krinac: 'Sidestep behind an obstacle and get the tendrils 
manifested.'.
Sean struggles with his new opponent, while the other one tries to fend 
off the hound.
One of them rushes for Vance who tries to step aside, as a strange 
effect appears in the air in front of Vance.
Jeanette steps aside, letting Sunfall make her attack, slashing with her 
own blade to keep their foe distracted.
Krinac to Vance: He would have run you through, but he stumbled on the 
gore as he rushed you, not enough to stop him, but it slowed him down.
Vance to Krinac: 'What am I using for an obstacle?'.
Sunfall and her opponent trade blows, a song of ringing steel going up  
around them.
Krinac to Vance: The hatch, you jumped to the other side.
Vance to Krinac: Vance nods. "I'll try to hit him with the tendrils 
before he gets his balance, in a direction that puts him at risk of 
falling off the ship."
Reed rushed back below and is now returning with a strip of canvas to 
beat out the flames.
Vance has a circle of power manifested in front of him, eminating 
tendrils of smoke-shot yellow light. He gestures, and the foe he faces 
is knocked sideways, sliding amidst the gore that coats part of the 
deck.
The one facing Sunfall and Jeanette fakes for Sunfall and then falls  
upon Jeanette with a ruthless set of thrusts.
Jeanette retreats slowly, parrying each blow - barely - with sweeps of 
saber and dagger.
Vance to Krinac: 'If I estimate having enough time, I'll speak the 
lynchpins for Wind Blast, directing the effect towards the sails. It 
should knock everyone else off balance (I'll be braced), and possibly 
move our ship away from where the men are coming from.'.
Krinac to Vance: No time, your opponent rolled with the blow springing 
to his feet gracefully with the skill of one with much practice in the 
martial arts. He is advancing now on Reed who is backpedaling.
Vance to Krinac: 'Poor choice on his part...that leaves me with a 
opening to strike. I'll take it.'.
Sean and his opponent come corps a corps and begin straining each to 
overthrust the other. The decision is made when Sean's dog hamstrings 
the man, and Sean pushes him over, stabbing him in the heart. 
At near the same time Madrak finally lands a telling blow as he puts a 
stop thrust in to the throat.
Jeanette misses a final parry, and tumbles to the deck, blades flying 
away...
Sailors rush out from below and join Reed in putting out the fire. One 
of them takes a dagger and makes sure the downed ones are dead. They 
stay well away from Vance's power manifestation.
Sunfall lands a vicious slice to the legs of her opponent. Jeanette and 
the man fall into a tangled heap together.
Madrak shouts, "Don't kill the wounded, you fool! Just keep them under 
control!"
Tendrils lash out from the manifestation in front of Vance, the last 
remaining assaliant is knocked back along the deck. He bounces hard, but 
still staggers to his feet, and still holds his blade.
Sunfall pins her assaliants hand to the deck with her junaive. 
Tendrils shoot forth to the last assailant, attempting to bind. 
Vance's tendrils snake around the man, lifting him off the deck. One of 
the tendrils is around the man's neck, slowly cutting off his supply of 
air.
Vance to Krinac: 'Try to choke him into unconsciousness.'.
Madrak sees that Vance has his opponent under control, and hurries to 
see how the others have fared.
Vance calls out. "Look for where they came from. Is there a nearby 
ship?"
Jeanette crawls, slowly, out from under the man, leaving a smeared trail  
of blood behind her.
Madrak breaks into a lumbering run, face grim.
Sunfall helps Jeanette aside, and tries to use pressure points to slow  
the bleeding.
The one in Vance's grasp quivers once, twice, shaking, and then relaxes.
Jeanette accepts Sunfall's hand, pulling herself up, scowling. "Over... 
bloody confident..."
Krinac says "Many sailors are dead, but the battle is over, you have one 
prisoner who is still unconscious. The others are dead from their 
wounds."
Upon examination the men appear to be a little unusual. All of them have 
bloodshot eyes. Very bloodshot, but the condition appears normal. They 
have an extra joint on each finger of each hand, and sharp forward 
curving spurs on the back of their hands. They all have fourty-four 
teeth, longer and more prominent than normal human teeth. Their flesh is 
grayish, hard and shiny.
Vance to Krinac: Vance checks for signs of recent shadow travel in the 
area, besides his own.
The tendrils release Vance's opponent, who drops to the deck 
unconscious. "Bind him, quickly."
Madrak, slows as he sees the others. "Jeanette, Sunfall... are you all 
right?"
Jeanette pauses to recover her weapons... "Injured. But I will survive."
Sunfall says "Vance, unless you can read their minds, interrogation will 
be useless."
Madrak nods. "I see. Good. I was...concerned. Is there anything I to be 
done here?"
Jeanette says "I need... bandages, and something to replace the blood 
loss..."
Sean circling the deck to check as well says, "Reed is a doctor, I'll go 
get him."
Jeanette nods...
You say "We will see, Sunfall."
Jeanette says "Has anyone seen creatures like these before?"
Sunfall says "Yes. Spurhands aren't demons, but they have fought 
alongside demons in the past."
Reed is on deck by Vance, "What are they?" he asks as Sean approaches. 
Sean demands he attend Jeanette. Reed sighs, "I'm not that kind of a 
doctor. Doctor is a title of respect, but I know a little first aid, 
I'll see what I can do."
Sunfall says "The old books don't mention them, but the Karcists faced 
them in the most recent demonic incursion."
Madrak nods. "Bandages I can provide..." He does so, then makes sure 
that the prisoner is bound securely, dragging him back near the group.
Sunfall says "They cannot speak, but communicate mind-to-mind. They are 
also loyal unto death."
The sailors hearing the words demons, begin muttering among themselves. 
"Did you see the hands?"
Sunfall says "Interrogation by means other than mental domination will 
prove futile."
Madrak frowns thoughtfully.
Vance looks to Sunfall. "Do the Karcists teach such a method of 
interrogation?"
Sunfall says "However, I may have a way of getting something out of one 
of them."
It doesn't take a genius to figure out that the sailors aren't too happy 
with keeping a demon alive, plus the captain is dead, and many of the 
crew. The situation is unstable.
Vance glances back to the assembled crew. "Which of you is the first 
mate?"
The lens before Vance fades as he turns to the crew.
The sailors point to the half dead man with the belly wound.
Vance nods, and sweeps his gaze along those remaining. "Pick one to 
represent this ship, and have him meet with me in fifteen minutes."
Reed works on Jeanette, "You are well enough to move, so I'm not too 
worried, I have some alcohol, that wound needs to be disinfected and 
sewn shut. Do you want me to do it?"
Madrak says "Did anyone see another vessel, or did these just appear on 
our ship?"
Jeanette says "Uhm... Sunfall, do you know how to do that?"
Vance's gaze snaps over to Reed. "Sew it shut as soon as alcohol is 
provided." He looks back to Sunfall. "I'm putting you in charge of the 
prisoner. The rest of us will be securing this ship, and making sure we 
haven't missed any of these creatures."
Sunfall addresses the sailors, "These were not demons, but were likely 
sent by someone allied with them. This mission is of the utmost 
importance to the Karcist Almirant, and to the security of Chiare, and 
it is imperative that we find out what foe we face. From now on, one of 
us will stand guard through the night to guarantee the safety of this 
mission. The Council of Karcists greatly appreciates your courage."
Sunfall says to Jeanette: "How to do what?"
Jeanette says "To sew up the wound. I, ah... it would be inappropriate, 
for a man..."
Sunfall says to Vance: "I must remain undisturbed during the process, as 
I have never done this before. Keep everyone away from the door. 
Spurhands don't communicate with their voices, but they can do other  
things with them."
Sunfall says, to Jeanette: "Oh. Well, I have been taught some basic 
medicine, but as my mother would tell you I am a lousy seamstress.
Vance looks down to Jeanette. "You can have it sewed up by Reed, or you 
can wait. Sunfall is the one most suited to deal with the prisoner, and 
I will not have her taken from that task when another is just as suited 
to sewing your wound." He turns to Sunfall. "Understood."
Reed says, "I've seen a few bosoms in my day Jeanette. I will be 
discrete."
Jeanette scowls, and allows Reed to do it, but keeps most of herself 
covered while he works.
Reed washes out the wound, gives it a simple dressing, then helps 
Jeanette back to her cabin to finish the job.
Vance to Krinac: 'Did I detect any signs of shadow transit, BTW?'.
Krinac to Vance: No sign of shadow transit, and no sign of a boat. It's 
as if they dropped out of thin air."
Madrak turns his back, and walks some distance away to give Jeanette 
some privacy while Reed works.
You say "Madrak, can you help guard the door for Sunfall, so she remains 
undisturbed?"
Madrak nods shortly.
Vance then looks to Sean. "You'll patrol the boat. I don't want to be 
surprised again."
Sunfall says, to Vance "Actually, if their must be a door guard, make 
sure they stand well away from the door as well."
Vance to Krinac: Vance will wait for the sailors to appoint a spokesman.
Vance nods. "Madrak, block off that section of the boat, then."
Madrak shrugs, and does so, with a rough efficiency.
The sailors appoint someone to speak for them, although Sunfall's speech 
quieted many of them.
Vance goes to talk with the spokesman.
Vance to Krinac: 'Basically, I do my best to reassure him, and make sure 
we're not missing anyone critical. We need someone who can pilot the 
boat, and a navigator that can make sure we're not travelling in 
circles.'.
Krinac to Vance: The navigator IS the person nominated to speak for the 
crew. He could pilot in a pinch, but there isn't a really qualified 
pilot. Just a bunch of people who can hold it steady in clear water. Not 
anyone you would trust in a storm.
Vance to Krinac: 'Is the first mate going to survive?'.
Krinac to Vance: Not without advanced medical treatment. His bowels were 
sliced, even if you sewed them up the bacteria in them spilled to the 
abdominal cavity. It will take him days to weeks to die, but he will 
die.
Vance to Krinac: 'How far are we from Thule? The navigator won't know, 
but I should have an idea since I've been shifting us through Shadow.'.
Madrak sighs, after a time, and calls back, "Is all well?"
Vance to Krinac: Vance will have the navigator appoint a pilot, and 
tells him that we'll be travelling under full sail. He then goes to see 
Madrak.
Vance heads belowdecks after his conversation with the crew's spokesman. 
He arrives in time to hear Madrak's words. "Not well, but it could be 
worse. I will have to increase my efforts to get us to Thule...a strong 
storm would finish us at this point."
Madrak hms. "I see. And what course must we set to reach Thule?"
Krinac to Vance: Still a day until Thule.
You say "Forward. I will handle the rest. I'll need to find someone 
among us who can sustain a magical wind...I do not want the sails fallow 
at any point in the journey."
Madrak considers this. "I see."
Vance frowns. "This does not bode well at all. Those creatures didn't 
come from another boat, and I couldn't even detect traces of shadow 
transit. This worries me...a lot."
Madrak nods, and his eyes close. "Yes. That is disturbing... what 
disturbs me more, is that we have an unknown enemy. That we are 
discovered so soon."
You say "Sunfall seems to have a familiarity with them..."
Jeanette mmms. "Could they have stowed away aboard?" she asks, emerging 
from the hatch.
You say "Not likely. They were abovedecks. If they had stowed away, 
their best tactic would be to kill us as we slept."
Jeanette nods, "Point. Rapelled down from a dirigible?"
You say "Would have been spotted by the lookout. Even at night, a 
dirigible would blot out the stars. And such a device wouldn't be 
suitable for following us through shadow."
Jeanette nods... "Teleported aboard?"
You say "I am tempted to have the crew searched for Trumps, at this 
point. But I doubt we'd find anything. Our best course of action is to 
keep a constant patrol, and make haste to Thule."
Madrak rubs his brow, as if lost in thought.
You journey across waters that grow colder, tell your breath turns to 
vapor. The cold grey sea match the somber mood of the crew.
Vance returns abovedeck, to stand near the bow of the ship.
Madrak mutters darkly. "Haste by all means... a stiff breeze would be 
nice."
Vance to Krinac: Vance is going to push the speed up as much as the new 
pilot can handle.
Sunfall staggers out of the cabin, leaning heavily on her junaive.
Jeanette offers Sunfall a hand, and nods...
Jeanette says "What are Trumps, Vance?"
Krinac: "Reed and Sean have joined the discussion."
Vance glances back. "A method of communication and transport for the 
royalty of both Amber and Chaos." He pauses, then says, "I need a wind 
in the sails, if we are to travel swiftly enough to avoid further 
entanglements."
Vance turns back to look at the waters ahead.
Sunfall says "Someone should clean up the mess. I for one could use some 
rest."
Jeanette nods... "Does it require a locus at both ends, or only at one? 
And if so, which?"
Madrak scowls, muttering to himself, possibly a prayer.
Krinac to Vance: Sean starts a little, he has a lousy poker face, he 
obviously has heard of trumps.
Vance says, not looking back. "I need a wind that keeps us moving at a 
brisk pace. I would cast the needed spell myself, but I am rather busy 
at the moment."
Vance to Krinac: 'Noted. I won't bring it up in front of the others, but 
I may need to take Sean aside later. How did Reed react?'.
Krinac to Vance: Hard to say, Reed may act the part of the niave absent 
minded professor, but Vance suspects that is just a way of dealing with 
the world. There is more to Reed than that.
Sunfall steps up on deck momentarily, for some fresh air.
Reed asks, "So what did you find out?"
Sunfall says "Not much. The spurhand was too willing to die, and I 
wasn't strong enough to prevent it. He did mention a name, but whether 
it is the name of those who sent him, or an echo from my own mind I 
cannot say."
Reed asks "What name?"
Vance to Krinac: 'At the best shadowshifting I can manage, how soon to 
Thule? I'm willing to get close to hellriding speeds if I can manage 
it.'.
Madrak grimaces. "If it was about to die, you should have sent for me."
Sunfall says "bal'Tagh. But that may be a name from my own mind. The 
lord of demons who fought in the dark age of the demon wars bore that 
name. Maybe the spurhand was trying to frighten me. It did have a slight 
advantage."
Sunfall says to Madrak "There wasn't time."
Madrak says "You knew this might happen?"
Sunfall says, to Madrak "It was possible. If you had some other way in 
mind, you should have said something."
Madrak says "You should have explained your concern. My way would have 
killed it, and you gave me no reason to think there would not be a 
second chance."
Sunfall says "Fine, next time you may take the risk." She then heads 
below for some rest.
Madrak growls. "I shall."
You journey across waters that grow colder, tell your breath turns to 
vapor. The cold grey sea match the somber mood of the crew.
Time passes, dawn comes, and half the next day.
The cry goes up "Land Ho!" Across the steely grey sea land begins to 
appear out of the mist. As you approacher the land rises out of the sea 
until it towers over the vesel. Tall cliffs devoid of harbor, shallow 
rocky beaches and seagulls appear to be all there is to see. 
Krinac notes the weather has been favorable.
The salior in charge orders the ship to heave about and asks for Vance, 
"Is this our destination?"
Krinac to Vance: Yes, that's Thule. You just have to circle to the 
Cleft.
Vance finally turns from his stance at the bow of the ship. His face 
is lined with fatigue once more. "Yes. Approach slowly. Hopefully we 
will be met by another ship, that can loan us a few crewman for our 
journey into port."
Vance doesn't even bother going belowdecks. He sits down by the bow of 
the ship, and closes his eyes.
An hour or so and leagues of tall cliffs pass by without sign of harbor, 
then other ships begin to appear. They vary in design, but most are deep 
water cargo vessels.
One ship stands out from the crowd. It bears no sails and cuts through 
the water like a knife. It is painted the same dull gray of the sea and 
flies a banner of green and blue.
Krinac to Vance: An ironclad of the Thule navy.
Vance appears asleep, at the moment.
Jeanette rests, too, but seated, watching.
Vance to Krinac: 'Am I right to assume that an incomplete night's rest 
was insufficient for my recent exertions?'.
Reed pulls out his binoculars, "That's a battleship, well an frigate at 
least."
Jeanette reaches over to Reed. "May I?"
Krinac to Vance: You aren't too bad off, just short on sleep. A few 
hours here and there won't hurt someone of Vance's END, but it doesn't 
help if you get in a fight.
Vance's right eye opens, and he looks over to Reed. "Ship approaching? 
Gather our companions - I need to speak to them before the ship 
arrives."
Madrak is on the deck, where he's been all night, watching the wind in 
the sails.
Reed hands Jeanette the binoculars, "I'll get them."
Jeanette nods, and peers across at the ship...
A gap appears in the cliffs and a river pouring out of it. The cargo 
vessels have hove to and anchored, and are admitted into a loch one by 
one. Dozens of smaller craft flying the green and blue banner scuttle 
about. One of the craft bears toward the Moonfish to intercept.
Krinac says "Reed and Sean return, and they inform Sunfall."
Sunfall heads above deck.
Vance stands up, and dusts himself off. "Thule generally looks upon 
outsiders as inferior. They have a society based on pologamy - a female 
isn't considered a woman until the birth of their first child, and there 
is no worse insult to a male than being called 'a man who cannot keep 
his women'.
Jeanette slings the binoculars around her neck, and nods, listening to 
Vance. 
Madrak sighs. "I see. Do they also have a dueling code?"
Vance nods. "Yes."
You say "If you wish to make any arrangements, such as the illusion of 
being married, I suggest you do so quickly. Their ship is quickly 
approaching."
Jeanette says "How do they view a woman travelling alone?"
Madrak says "Ah."
You say "Women can excel at any trade about as well as a man, but you're 
still looked on as a girl unless you've had a healthy child. Normally, 
one wife stays home to watch the children, while others take up a trade. 
Both choices are equally respected. For foreigners...certain allowances 
are made, due to their inferior culture."
Jeanette nods, and clips on her sword-belt. "I see."
You say "As for men, you are not a man until you've faced death. And, as 
mentioned before, wives are part of the basis of a man's status." 
Reed looks puzzled, "So whata keeps the male to female ratio down to 
allow polygamy?
Madrak frowns. "I've faced death enough, but am not married. Do they 
make allowances for religious vows and the like?"
Vance looks to Reed first. "Genetics. Births are 75 percent female." He 
then looks at Madrak. "Their religion has no such allowances. But, you 
are in my company, so they will treat you with civility."
Madrak says "How...droll."
Madrak looks thoroughly irritated. "Perhaps you should explain the 
dueling code to me on the way in. Just in case."
You say "It shouldn't be a problem, unless you plan to steal someone's 
wife. Or assault any other basis of their society, such as the practice 
of slavery."
Jeanette frowns, "Slavery?"
Sean says, "Three quarters women? I think I could grant them a few 
flaws."
Vance nods. "Agricultural societies benefit from such. Each slave has a 
wage set aside. When they have enough money to buy passage from the 
isle, and some extra to set themselves up in a trade, they can buy their 
freedom. It is nearly unheard of for someone to be a slave longer than 
fifteen years, and valuable skills are learned in the process. 
Jeanette nods... "I will disapprove, then, but not publicly."
Vance looks over to Sean. "Just make certain they are unmarried, Sean."
Sean winks at Vance, "Tell me more about this dueling code."
Vance sighs. "I will have someone instruct you in the basics when we 
arrive. Just try not to offend...I want our stay to go smoothly." 
Officials from Thule board, inspect the cargo, and you join the line of 
vessels waiting to enter the loch.
Madrak closes his eye, and then straightens his shoulders. "I have seen 
far worse in my time. Thank you for the warning."
You spend the rest of the day negoiating a series of lochs and canals 
that slowly raise you up hundreds of feet above the level of the sea to 
a broad flat plateau. Along the way you pass many mills that harness the 
power of the the river.
Eventually you leave the cleft and continue your journey up the river 
Mariah towards Atlat, the capital of Thule.
You pass villages and farms along the way, but no major cities, 
eventually a large hill comes into view, and spread all around it a 
city.
The city is mostly composed of marble, in colors of red, white, and 
black. The architecture would be called Classical on Shadow Earth, 
pillars and columns supporting large structures dot the city. Large 
parks and estates make up most of the city.
Deep canals divide the city and lofty arched bridges can be seen in 
great numbers. The Moonfish sails clockwise around the lake surrounding 
the city, until it moors at a pier. You have arrived at Atlat, capital 
of Thule.
The city is remarkably clean and beautiful, as are the inhabitants. The 
people of Thule are clearly distinguished by their fine machined cloth, 
that is still worn in simple robes. They are fair of skin, but richly 
tanned mostly with dark hair and eyes. Many of the people are obviously 
from elsewhere. They can be easily spotted by their different dress.
Vance to Krinac: Vance will head towards his house. Pleione, as a note, 
has the sharper mind of his two wives, and the one he prefers for 
stimulating conversation. However, he enjoys Merope's pursuit of magical 
knowledge, and helps out in her learning when he can.
Customs officials quickly arrive.
Madrak moves over to speak to Vance quietly.
Vance pauses in his stride towards the customs officials to listen to 
Madrak.
Krinac to Vance: Better announce yourself to the customs officials, or 
you will have to deal with red tape.
Madrak whispers "Death is coming to this city, Vance. Soon."
Vance frowns, and nods to Madrak. He then beckons the customs official 
over, and announces that he has returned to the city. Those with him are 
guests of his house.
At the next ship along the pier you see a bit of drama of Thule unfold. 
A man bearing a sword walks up to where several people are loading a 
vessel.
Madrak watches, expression grave.
He bows the suprevisor approaches, "Pardon me, I have business with this 
one." He points singling out one of the workers who flinches. 
The man continues, "Brother I heard but did not believe. I had to see it 
with my own eyes, and here I find you working for coins loading baggage. 
You bring shame to our house. Now, you shall face me. I challenge you, 
to a battle of the blades. Name your time."
Vance to Krinac: 'How long will it take to conclude my business with the 
officials, and move on?'.
The man hauling the luggage nods meek acceptance, "I choose the full 
three days." His brother nods and goes on.
As the brother leaves he looks back but once, and walks away. 
The officials back off quickly when confronted with Vance. 
Vance says, "Let's move on." He heads into the city.
A woman with a clipboard says, "Excuse me noble sir, but we did not 
expect you to arrive in such a common fashion. Should I have a litter 
brought for you?"
Vance looks to the woman. "My haste demands that I not wait for such. I 
go to my house, to speak with my wives before calling on the royal 
family."
Krinac to Vance: About your kids, Merope had a child out of wedlock, and 
thus your marriage to her was a particular boon. (so no child of yours), 
and Pleione has born you a daughter... hmm you set the age?
Vance leads the group to a house built in the default Classical style 
common to Thule. It is spacious, though not overtly so, and is on a 
hillside overlooking a lake.
Vance to Krinac: 'Full-grown. I haven't been to Thule in a while.'.
Krinac to Vance: Ok, so noted, her name is Ariadne.
Madrak doesn't say a word until arriving, though he observes the city 
closely with his bleak gaze.
Jeanette walks along, eyes taking in the whole of the city...
Vance glances back to the others. "We have arrived. I will arrange for 
an audience with the High King, and you will stay here in the meantime." 
The sun is setting, but the doorway is lit by a globe of metal that 
shines with an inner light, the same yellow glow as sunlight. 
Madrak nods vaguely. "Of course." 
Jeanette comments, quietly, "Interesting mix of technologies. Steam 
power, electricity, yet their weapons..."
Vance enters as if he owned the place, and calls out, "Pleione?" 
A woman races forward running, "VANCE?! It's been years. She rushes to 
embrace Vance."
Madrak nods to Jeanette, but abandons whatever he was about to say in 
response.
Vance to Krinac: 'Better describe her...'.
Pleione is slightly short with long dark hair to her waist and a little 
to the plump side but attractively so. Her most noticeable feature are 
her arms and hands, which are marked with purple and red discolorations, 
and her hands are held mostly closed in an odd position. 
Vance smiles, and embraces the woman heartily, though with care for her 
scarred arms.
Madrak hesitates, glancing at the others.
Vance releases the embrace after a few moments, and says, "I've brought 
guests...and I wish the tidings of my arrival were better. But 
monumentous events are at hand. Will Merope be back soon? I have a 
message that needs to get to Andra."
Pleione seems reluctant to release the embrace. Another woman, fairer of 
hair, with a more staturesques figure and striking eyes enters, "Hello, 
my husband," she says.
Vance puts one arm around Pleione, as he turns to the other woman, still 
smiling. "Hello, Merope. How goes your studies?"
This one seems more reserved in her emotions, but she does approach 
Vance and embrace him. Merope says, "They go well." Pleione says, "I 
forget my duties to our guests (?)unless...." she looks from Sunfall to 
Jeanette, "you have brought us another sister wife?"
Sunfall pointedly avoids looking at Vance and coughs.
Jeanette shakes her head...
Vance frowns sligtly. "Not yet. These are outlanders, and trusted 
companions of mine." He then introduces Madrak, Sunfall, Reed, Jeanette, 
and Sean.
Pleione says, "Be welcome to our home for as long as you have need."
Madrak bows slowly. "Thank you. Nothing Vance said prepared me for your 
gracious welcome."
Sunfall bows.
Jeanette nods, "We are honored by your welcome."
Vance looks to Merope. "I apologize for the lack of warning regarding 
our arrival. But trouble comes to Thule, and we have flown on the winds 
to outrace it. I need to garner an audience with the High King, and the 
best way to do that quickly is through a message sent via Andra."
Krinac: Pleione and Merope exchange introductions with everyone, 
servants are summoned with small bits of food.
Vance leans over to quietly ask Madrak a question.
Vance mutters to Madrak, "... how..."
You whisper "The death you see... how soon?" to Madrak.
Merope says to Vance, "I'll contact her, but she has married now. I 
can't guarantee she will be as warm to you as in the past."
Madrak frowns thoughtfully.
Vance nods. "I understand. Still, she knows I would not ask unless the 
matter was grave indeed. You do not call on the High King as a whim."
Meriope says, "I'd best be on my way then. I'll speak to Andra, I'm sure 
Pleione will make you comfortable."
Vance nods. "I wish I had more time, Merope. I will make it up to you 
after the crisis has passed."
Pleione smiles at her sister wife, "Enjoy yourself." Merope rejoineders, 
"Not as much as you."
After Merope departs Pleione says, "I am sure you are tired and weary 
from the road. Why don't I have the servants show you to your quartes, 
and you can freshen up before you start talking to the nobility. I'm 
sure you will make a better impression that way."
Vance turns to his companions. "Though the ten kings rule jointly, there 
is a high king that is the most respected of them. He rules the province 
of Atlas and the capital city." He nods at Pleione's suggestion. "Rest. 
This may be the last sleep you get for a while."
Pleione nods, "I'll have the servants bring you some fresh clothing as 
well."
Madrak whispers "More than a few hours, not more than a week."
Vance nods quietly to Madrak.
Pleione looks to Vance, "Husband, shouldn't we also retire?"
Jeanette chuckles softly, smiling.
Vance looks to Pleione. "I will join you shortly. I have a few things to 
run over for tomorrow, and want to make sure my companions' questions 
are answered."
A flash of fire touches Pleione's eyes but her rejoinder is soft, "Don't 
tarry too long." She sashays out of the room, leaving only Vance, the 
party, and some servants.
Sean says, "Perhaps two women is too much of a good thing after all."
Reed asks, "When did things suddenly become urgent?"
Vance sits back, and runs a hand through his hair. "It helps not to have 
several years pass between visits. Now, Madrak, tell them what you saw." 
Madrak sighs. "It is not...something I can easily put into words."
You say "Try. Explain the scope and the time involved, if not the vision 
itself."
Madrak says "In a matter of days, perhaps hours, death will visit this 
city."
You say "Just the city? Or will this affect the rest of Thule, as well?"
Madrak paces. "It is not a vision. It may be more widespread, it may 
not. The city itself may survive."
Madrak says "A number of its people, however, will not."
Vance nods. "We need to do what we can to stop this. I can't afford to 
have Thule weak and distracted by its internal problems."
Jeanette says "Could it be Amber, about to strike?"
You say "Impossible to say, without more information."
Jeanette nods. "I fear it all too likely."
Vance frowns. "I do not intend to simply react to whatever comes at us. 
We need to anticipate these strikes, and counter them before they 
start."
Jeanette says "Counter them /how/?"
Madrak says "I'm afraid I do not know any more than I've told you. The 
event itself is a mystery to me. I have not had a vision, only 
a...premonition."
You say "I don't know...yet. But I cannot do everything, despite my 
reputation. Madrak, have you ever fought against one of these 
premonitions? Averted the forthcoming death?"
Madrak rakes his lip with his teeth. "It...can be done. Not easily."
You say "Then, you have the night to come up with a plan. I have to 
ascertain the current political climate in Thule, have a favorable 
meeting with the high king, gain permission to once against visit the 
Watery Flame...Thule's Broken Pattern, and see if it is intact. I don't 
have time to do all of that and avert a disaster. Stop it, or at least 
keep it contained."
Madrak frowns. "I do not know if I can," he murmurs, brooding. He walks 
to the nearest window, and looks out at the city. "But I will try." 
Madrak says "I must warn you, however, that I rarely have enough warning 
to change the course of events. There will be, at best, a brush with 
death on a large scale. At worst... I do not know. I hope it will not 
follow Begma, but I do not know what may happen.""
Reed says, "Too bad we didn't have warning of the attack on the 
Moonfish."
Vance nods, and glances to the others. "The rest of you will help him. 
You won't be able to affect the outcome of my tasks, since you are 
foreigners here." He pauses, and looks to Sunfall. "Though you have the 
potential of surviving the Watery Flame and being treated as a native." 
Jeanette says "And the rest of us do not?"
Madrak sighs. "We were not in inevitable, mortal danger until they were 
upon us, Reed."
You say "I have seen Sunfall survive the Circle of Runes, and I 
ascertained her mettle there. The Watery Flame is a tougher challenge, 
but I believe she could handle it, if she's willing to take the risk." 
Madrak says "Reed should observe and map this...'flame,' if it is 
permitted."
You say "I will do my best, Madrak. If he is not permitted, at the least 
I can bear his instruments there."
Reed nods, "Every little piece helps."
Vance glances to Reed. "If I was instructed, could I activate your 
instruments so the readings could be taken in your absence? You'd still 
be needed to decypher them, but it would make things easier in my 
audience with the kings."
Madrak nods, then holds up a finger. "A thought, Vance. Do you know how 
Thule might fit into the prophecy?"
Reed considers Vance's proposal, "I could lock it to what I think would 
be the best mode, but I usually adjust it on the fly to get the best 
data. It's really a hacked together system, a prototype not a finished 
product. Still better second hand data, than nothing at all."
Vance sighs. "I don't. Which troubles me."
Vance nods to Reed. "We will see what my audience brings, then."
Vance looks at Madrak, an intensity in his gaze. "There isn't a passage 
specifically relating to Begma, either."
Madrak bows his head. "Perhaps," he suggests quietly, "You should warn 
your wives to prepare to flee this place."
Jeanette hmms. "There are two that might apply, though..."
Madrak looks up at Jeanette pensively, as if fearing to entertain hope, 
but eager at the same time. "Think you so? Which two?"
You say "I have considered that possibility. But I must stay until my 
business is concluded here, and I cannot ask them to leave when I will 
not."
Jeanette quotes, "New builder, chases rings / Twin guards, Brother 
schemes. The arrangement of the city, in three circles, and the council 
of ten brother kings..."
You say "Twin guards seems out of place, though." 
Jeanette says "Unless two of the ten are twins?"
You say "And there is little new building going on near the city. It is 
all developed."
Jeanette says "It can refer to more than buildings. But I do not recall 
anyone offering a meaning for this passage previously."
Madrak says "Perhaps the builder is new to Thule. Though what rings he 
might chase I cannot guess."
You say "The passage can apply to some of the other Broken Patterns, as 
well. The best prophecies are flexible."
Madrak amends. "Or she... still, you said two passages, Jeanette."
Jeanette nods. "I'm not so sure about the other."
Madrak shrugs. "Any theory is worth examining in a mystery."
Jeanette says "Wells toll, prisoner king / power claim, silence ring. I 
chose it simply for its mention immediately after the tale of Chiare, 
really."
Vance stands. "I must go to my wife, and plan for the morrow. Sleep 
well, and good luck. I am counting on you."
Madrak frowns. "Vance. Unless I miss my guess, you have resources for 
escape your wives do not. Tell them to prepare."
Vance to Krinac: Vance will go to his wife, engage in the usual marital 
practices, and then spend a good bit of the night talking with her, 
preparing her for the possible trouble ahead.
Vance nods. "I plan to...and I can take others with me, should it come 
to that."
Jeanette says "But can you take them all with you?"
Madrak says "I may have hours of warning as the premonition grows 
stronger. I may not see the moment until it is at hand. I do not know, 
and will not until it happens... bear that in mind. I would not 
overestimate the warning I can give you, or them."
You say "Two wives and two daughters? Yes, I think I can manage, 
provided I can get to a boat."
Jeanette says "All of the people who are threatened, I mean."
Krinac to Vance: Ok, at some time you are also joined by Merope, who 
informs you that Andra will arrive in the morning. After the usual 
marriage activity, they want to talk about Ariadne. She wants to take 
the watery flame as is her right as your daughter, and they have held 
her back until now.
Vance nods to Madrak. He then says to Jeanette, "They will be warned, 
but I cannot part the sea for them."
Vance to Krinac: Vance wants Ariadne summoned to him. "I will speak to 
her. Should I feel she is ready, I will ensure that she undertakes the 
Flame before I leave."
Madrak sighs. "Nor I. A convenient wind is one thing... this, I fear, 
may be beyond my capacity. But where there is doubt, there is also hope. 
I will do what I may, and be grateful for any help the rest of you can 
give me."
Vance nods. "That is all I can ask, Madrak. I will see you in the 
morning." He turns, and heads toward his rooms.
Madrak says "Good eve, Vance."
Krinac to Vance: Your wives are reassured, (I assume at some time you 
told them that you could help Ariadne through the watery flame) thus 
their insistence that she wait.
Krinac to Vance: And it is hard to convince them of a threat to Thule. 
They are so wrapped in it's superiority that they don't feel the fear in 
their bones. They will do as you ask, because you ask it, but they are 
not scared.
Jeanette nods. "Sleep well."
Krinac to Vance: After all Thule survived the rebellion (during the 
Black Road War) so why should this be any different?