Joss, Raevyn, Siodmak, Roland in the Keep

[Wired*Nun]

(Joss considers the conversation with Roland over, so he heads out to examine the keep (bringing his chest). Joss will wander around looking at the defenses and men, drawing a plan of the place in his head.)

This is easy enough. The ground floor is mainly kitchens, bakeries, armories, barracks, servants quarters, stables, storerooms and "industrial" type stuff - workshops, shops - in fact, it's a small town in here, all in one enormous building. The outside dimensions approach 300 yards on a side; inside, about 200. That puts the outer Keep at about 50 yards thick, inner wall to outer wall. There are also basements, but most of the basement doors are locked, and look to be storerooms. One part is the wine cellar, which has guards. Joss finds one that the guards tell him is the battlemages' workshop, and he is advised not to go in there. Many things, like the armories, are duplicated by four, one to each side.

There are four shadows, just like the book said; The ice seems to be north, the water east, the desert south, and the mountains, west.

The place looks to be competently run and well defended. A thousand men is not much to hold a place this size against a full seige, but it looks like there are at least another thousand able-bodied men among the non-soldiers, and the soldiers tell Joss that there are reinforcements available. Joss imagines the magical defenses must compensate a lot for lack of numbers.

The second floor is the guest apartments, ballrooms, great halls offices of certain functionaries, a few strategically placed guardrooms and strongpoints, indoor fencing/athletic rooms, etc.

The third floor is accessable by one main grand staircase on each side, guarded and locked. Although there are many unlocked doors, there are many locked ones as well. Some of them Joss suspects lead to smaller staircases going up, as they correspond with similar ones leading down. The door to the walkway across to the inner keep is locked and guarded by four men each. The look to be a different cut from the rest of the guards; the army of the keep's colors seem to be silver/white/green/blue, while these men wear black and green. They also look more competent, alert and a professional.

There is a fourth floor only at the four corners, battlements to overlook the third storey. Seige engines can be seen on these bastions.

[Wired*Nun]

After making this survey, Joss heads back to the rooms to confer. Finding no one there but the assigned ladies, he heads out on the balcony for some fresh air and a bowl of tobacco. As he is looking at the view, out of the blue he beholds three people standing before him (in his mind? - so real!) - a young woman, and old woman, and a young man. This vision slams into his mind like a freight car, and he drops his pipe, not noticing it spinning to the ground below. He staggers, and adrenaline surges with equal parts startlement, fear and surprise. He could just reach out and touch them! The man is carrying a naked blade.

[Knarr]

Joss staggers from the impact of the mental contact (if I understand it correctly- it felt like a freight train) and straightens up.
Adrenaline and fear does different things to different people- some get nervous, some get scared and Joss gets mad.
Growling, Joss reaches out without thinking, grabbing the sword hand of the man with the naked blade and the throat of whichever woman is closest, yanking them towards him and holding them off the balcony.

[Wired*Nun]

Joss snatches the nearest, the young woman by the throat. Joss' massive hand almost reaches all the way around her neck. The man, however, is prepared, and slashes the reaching hand lightly as he parries it. The young woman dangles helplessly off the balcony. Something falls from her hand and flutters off down to the ground. Then, the vision and the reality become of secondary importance, as Joss feels an invasive pressure in his mind that leaves him unable to perform more than the smallest movements.

"Grab the balcony!" the man yells, and as Joss' grip weakens, the young woman reaches out and seizes the balcony railing.

A feeling like a slamming door; the Trump contact is severed.

Joss is released from the psychic pressure, and is left gasping with the aftereffects. The young woman dangles from the balcony by both hands.

[LynMars]

'Stupid stupid stupid stupid stupid! Why don't I ever think these things through?' Rae thinks as she is grabbed by the throat and subsequently left hanging. She tries to find a foothold and pull herself up. "Um, look, I'm really sorry, okay? Please, I'd really rather not fall!"

'If I live through this, I am going to be in so much trouble...Hope Dad doesn't get too mad at Josh, Vela, and Flora...'

[Knarr]

Joss shakes his head to clear it of the fog he was in and hears, “Um, look, I'm really sorry, okay? Please, I'd really rather not fall!” Looking down, he sees two hands and grabs one, effortlessly swinging the young lady to the balcony. Holding her off the deck with one hand and pressing his other hand to his shirt to stop the bleeding, Joss yells, “Who are you and what the hell was that?!”

[LynMars]

Raevyn winces, glancing down briefly to see just how far off the ground the large, shouting man's holding her. She notices his cut hand and frowns, realizing that everything but her most basic Trump supplies are back at Vela's house. "You don't have to yell; I said I was sorry! My name's Raevyn, and 'that' was the three of us trying to get through the Trump block on this place and accidentally steamrolling your brain. Could you put me down before you snap my wrist, please? I'd be glad to explain everything in a civilised manner."

(( Raevyn's description (http://www.online-roleplaying.com/forums/showpost.php?p=70594&postcount=4) quick-linked for convenience. Today dressed in a simple blue blouse, brown riding slacks, and brown boots. She's wearing a belt with a case for her Trumps and such attached to it, no weapons apparent at all.))

[Wolkhaffen]

The sound of the bedroom door opening is heard by Joss and Raevyn. "Joss? You all right?" comes the call. Brushing the light curtains aside Raevyn is gifted with a view of a stringy, platinum-blond haired man whose pasty white skin reminds her of something long dead.

"Been fishing?" he deadpans. "What's the catch of the day?" he asks looking at Raevyn dangling in the air.

[LynMars]

Rae's gaze darts over at the sound of a new voice. She pales a bit when Siodmak becomes visible, her violet eyes wide. 'The other man from the vision...but is he really this guy's enemy?'

[Knarr]

Joss drops the girl on the balcony and tells Siodmak, “Beats the hell out of me. Her and a couple of her friends just gave me a headache.” Joss looks at his hand and takes a cloth out of his pocket to wrap around the wound to stop the bleeding. Using his teeth, he ties it off and examines the young lady in front of him. He seems calmer.
“ I will grant you that she looks edible, though.” Joss puts his hands on his hips and continues. “ Ok, Raevyn, why did you contact me?”

[LynMars]

"Well..."

(( Read it for yourselves (http://www.online-roleplaying.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3445), if you haven't yet. Sorry it's so long, comparitively. She won't leave anything out except private thoughts and feelings, of course.))

As Raevyn wraps up her narrative, she looks at Joss' hand again. "Are you all right? Josh was just trying to protect me. I'm sorry." She looks around. "So, you're Joss; and your...friend? And what is this place?"

[Knarr]

“I’m fine.” he answers.” Don’t worry about it.”
Joss looks at her with eyes that had widened a bit.
“ I have a sister?” Joss says in a questioning voice and then straightens.
“ Are you sure this Gerard guy is my father? How long ago was he on Earth?”

“ You are at the Keep of the Four worlds and that (pointing to Siodmack) is Siodmak, I just meet him."

[LynMars]

Raevyn shrugs. "I don't know when Dad was on Earth last. I think he'd like to find out if it's true or not, though. I do know several relatives go there, fairly often." She looks Joss over carefully, trying to see any resemblance between him and her father. She nods to Siodmak. "Nice to meet you, Siodmak." She thinks for a bit. "I don't think I've heard much, if anything, about the Keep of the Four Worlds. Does it belong to one of you? If not, why are you here, and did something similar happen to either of you?"

[Wolkhaffen]

An obvious look of hunger enters Siodmak's and he casts an appraising look at the 'meat' on Raevyn's frame.

“Wait a minute,” earnestly, “ I thought we were going to eat her?”

A thoughtful look at Joss, “Oh, you meant … Just as well. Fresh or frozen, I’m tired of red meat.”

“Siodmak [SIGH-oh-mack],” the scared warrior extends his hand to Raevyn. “By your tale our ‘host’ Dunstan has tricked you into coming here. Are the two of you brother and sister then?” Smiling reveals a set of nasty teeth as he looks back and forth between the two, comparing for similarities.

“So now what? Do we include her in our plans, sailor?” Siodmak asks Joss. “Invite her in for a drink and a smoke or throw her over the railing?”

[LynMars]

Raevyn takes an unconscious step away from Siodmak, then recovers herself and carefully takes his hand. "Um, nice to meet you," she says, stepping back again. She eyes both of them, hand near her Trump case. She's obviously a bit unnerved.

[Knarr]

Joss shakes himself from his thoughts and gets back to reality (Ha!).
“We invite her in, of course.”
Joss says as he motions Raevyn to come inside.
“We all seem to have been brought here with a glowing doorway. Some guy named Dustan says he did it. The keep is his or his mothers, or something like that. He seems to be in charge and the soldiers listen to him. I think that glowing thing you ran away from would have brought you here.”
Joss extends a hand to a chair asking her to sit down.
“ Sorry if I startled or hurt you when I grabbed you. That was my very first trump contact. I had no idea that they hit like a freight train. I’m also wary of them because someone stopped me from moving with some sort of mental command while I was in contact via the trump. Granted I was trying to strangle you, but still.”

[LynMars]

Rae frowns as she sits in the offered chair. "They don't normally hit that hard, but there were three of us trying to get past whatever barrier was on this place, and when it dropped...I'm sorry, again. The command may have been from Josh or his mother to keep you from strangling me. Dunstan...who is he, and why would he have wanted me brought here? What exactly is going on here, or is he keeping you in the dark about that?"

[Knarr]

Joss looks over to Raevyn from the bar (He is getting a drink- he motions to ask if she wants one. If so he will bring it to her.)
“ We have no idea why we were brought here yet. He had us read a book for some history of Amber. I have lived only on Earth, so I didn’t know anything about Amber at all. I assume he will tell us what he wants from us next.”
Joss sits down.
“ I will tell you this, I don’t like him much. He acts like a dandy and talks like a spoiled child.”

[Wired*Nun]

[Joss definitely resembles Gerard. ]

[LynMars]

"Some wine, please, thank you." She pulls out her Trump of Gerard and looks from Joss to the card a few times, and briefly considers trying the Trump. 'Probably reinstated the barrier when the connection broke and he had me here. I'll try anyway later.' She sips the drink Joss brings her and considers. "There will be people looking for me, I'm sure of that much. And I suppose, despite what kind of person he is, I should meet him if he's playing host, and wanted me here with the rest of you, for whatever reason."

[Wolkhaffen]

"If you will excuse me I have some work I'd like to do." Siodmak never bothers to sit down. Making his way to the door, "I'll leave you two to get aquainted. Let me know when Roland gets back."

[LynMars]

Raevyn looks after Siodmak; she can't really say she's sorry to see him leave, after the 'interesting' introduction. 'He was just trying to make me uncomfortable; pay him no mind. Maybe his disposition, and his poor humor, will improve.' "Nice meeting you," she says as he leaves.

[Shutter]

Roland returns to the quarters a few minutes after Siodmak makes his exit. His eyes widen slightly when he sees Raevyn. Looking more or less like this.
Joss dismissed the concubine, besides she doesn't have the same look as they did...Too innocent, to noble looking to be a servant...

"You must be another recruit. I am Roland. How did you arrive?" He approaches her and extends his hand for the shaking.

[LynMars]

"Oh, hello. I'm Raevyn. I think I was supposed to arrive the way you all did, but ended up Trumping here, looking for him," she says, nodding toward Joss. "It's...a long story, and I'm tired of repeating it. Maybe later. I think that Siodmak fellow wanted to know when you came in, but he just left." She shakes Roland's hand, smiling pleasantly.

[Shutter]

Roland returns the smile without much difficulty.

"Good to meet you Raevyn...I'm sure Siodmak will hear us soon enough." Roland goes to the bar and pours himself a glass of whiskey. "So...are you one of the family too...?"

[Knarr]

Joss hands Raevyn a glass of wine and sits down.
“ She is Gerard’s daughter. She too believes I am related to him.” Joss says.
“ I’ll be honest, I’m looking forward to meeting him, I’m curious.”
Joss then fills the next couple of hours asking Raevyn and Roland about their lives and Amber, verifying what was in the books, refilling drinks as needed.
(I didn’t want to type all this, think about it as small talk among long lost relatives.)

Joss takes a drink of the picture of beer he poured for himself, then continues.
“ When Siodmak comes back I think we should go talk to Dunstan and find out exactly what he wants. We can then make a decision what to do.”
Joss looks hard at Raevyn and Roland.
“Hopefully we will choose the correct course.”

Joss then yells in a strong voice, “Siodmak! Get your butt in here, Roland is back!”
Joss unwraps his hand (which is now healed), putting away the bandage and changes his bloody shirt with one from the trunk.

[Wired*Nun]

Joss unwraps his hand (which is now healed)
[Well, it's stopped bleeding, but I wouldn't call it healed. Probably take him overnight to be down to just a scar, a couple more days for that to fade.]

[LynMars]

Raevyn will confirm anything she knows to be true, though living on an estate several miles north of Amber itself has kept her out of the loop on many things. She'll ask how Roland is related to her, and if he's interested in confirmation of Uncle Caine's death, she attended the funeral the bomb was thrown at. Raevyn enjoys the small talk. 'Not exactly what I was thinking when I thought I needed to get out more and meet people, but this isn't too bad so far. I wonder about that Dunst--what is that?' She looks off toward the direction Siodmak took, a puzzled look on her face.

[Shutter]

Roland catches the look on Raevyn's face and twists around, trying to see whatever she's looking at.

"What is it?"

[LynMars]

"It's just...I thought I felt something like Trump off that way, but it seemed...odd. Not right, somehow, at least not to me. Is someone else around here an artist?"

[Wolkhaffen]

At Joss' beckoning bellow, the ghoul-like warlord leaves his room entering the common space where Joss, Raevyn, and Roland are chatting.

He hands Joss and Roland each a Trump Sketch of the tasty morsel.

“And to our newest companion,” Siodmak hands Raevyn a Trump Sketch of each of the three men. “These work within the confines of this place. I’ve already tested them. Well, not yours, my dear,” he says to Raevyn, “but there isn’t any difference between them.”

“What news, my companions? What have you learned before we hear what out ‘host’ want us to do?”

[Shutter]

Roland takes the card, adding it to his assortment while looking at Raevyn.

"As you can see, Siodmak here knows something of the art. Which is strange, and I'm inclined to ask him where he learned it." Turning to the warlord.

"Siodmak, you said you hadn't heard of trumps until this morning, so either you're a remarkably quick study, or I am missing something. Would you mind elaborating a bit?"

[OOC: Shall we declare then that time passed, and Raevyn just felt something there at the end? GM: Hey, this is Amber. Sometimes time flows at different rates in different places...]

[LynMars]

"Thank you," Raevyn says, accepting the card. She studies it a moment, trying to figure it out. "I would be interested in knowing how you learned as well," she says, pulling her own out. "I've done these, but I don't think we work the same way."

[Wolkhaffen]

“Krankly, I don’t trust our host, Dunstan.” Siodmak says with his back to the group while at the bar. Turning, “You missed our introduction to him and this place, Raevyn, but,” he says returning to the group with his drink and sitting down, “in my experience, anyone who must resort to threats to get what they want doesn’t have power or authority that extends very far.”

“My skills are far reaching and varied,” the stringy haired blond directs to Roland. “Dunstan clearly has foreknowledge of us, but what I can conceal from him I will.”

He swirls his cognac in his glass basking in the aroma before sipping. Clearly, despite his appearance, this is a man familiar with the finer things in life.

[‘Yes’ to your OOC Shutter.]

“But what have you learned in these past hours?” he asks again.

[Shutter]

Roland nods at Siodmak' statement. Fair enough, don't know how much I feel like giving away either... Roland reaches into his satchel and pulls out a sketchbook and pencil, opening it up to an arbitrary Trump sketch of a tavern in a far off shadow. He points the page at his three companions before nodding yes to Raevyn and putting it back in his back.

"What did I learn...I learned that I'm not well liked around here. Dalt seems to be the general who leads the troops about here. There seem to be two sets of them, or at least two sets of uniforms. I didn't delve too deeply into it because they made it fairly clear that I was not welcome. Dunstan has some sort of power, there's a Trump relay system around the keep, and to several safehouses in Shadow. It's behind that godawful tapestry in the great hall. Raevyn I can take you over there in a few minutes and show you the way if you'd like. I'd guess he's a broken pattern initiate of some sort, based on the book, and where we are...But that's sheer speculation. He could be a lost son of Oberon for all I know...I'll be honest, that book worries me. If it's true, if Dunstan has gone through a similar proccess to what Brand and Jurt went through, we'd rather stay on his good side."

[Wolkhaffen]

Siodmak looks at Joss, "His good side, yes."

[GM - Still observing, up to you when you want to venture forth, put your heads together, try something, contact Dunstan, whatever.]

[Wired*Nun]

bump

[Wolkhaffen]

Bump?

[Knarr]

Joss nods at Siodmak, then turns to Roland and Raevyn.
"Well lets go talk to the boy and see what he wants."
Joss grabs his chest and puts it over his shoulder.
" I'm tired of waiting."
With this, Joss seems ready to go.

[Bump?]

[Wolkhaffen]

"To where we first met Dunstan, I guess, then," says the warlord putting down his drink. "We can send a servant to fetch him."

Standing, "Did anyone else hear that bump?"

[Wired*Nun]

[lol - seemed like everyone was waiting on everyone else]

Dunstan materializes in the chair by the fireplace with a bump, his feet already up on a hassock. Rolling his eyes, he says, "Are you people fiiiiiinally ready to get on with it!? You've checked out the keep, harassed the servants, ravished fair wenches, eaten great food, drunk entrancing viands, looked at the toys. Satisfied?"

"And like all weddings, this one starts off with a shotgun and the words, 'We are gathered here together...' to do something that only you people can do for me. Where to begin, where to begin..." Dunstan looks around expectantly before he goes on, as if to say, "get it out of the way now before I launch into a narrative."

[LynMars]

Raevyn looks at Joss. "What's in tha--" Then Dunstan appears, startling her a bit. "Y-you must be Dunstan. I would ask for an explanaition, but I get the feeling that's coming already."

[Wired*Nun]

"Ah, yes, the fair Raevyn." He makes kissy-kissy motions from across the room. "Charmed, I'm sure. I do so appreciate how, despite turning down my invitation, you decided to crash our little party anyway. It's nice to have a lady about the place." The servants and courtesans bolted as soon as Dunstan appeared, all except Aaron, who doesn't seem worldly enough, at this point, to be afraid.

[Shutter]

Roland looks around as soon as he hears the bump, focusing in on where it probably occured. Thus, he is looking directly at Dunstan when the little twit appears.

Roland simply looks at him, waiting for whatever self aggrandizing speech is to follow.

Well...so much for my pathetic attempt at playing things close to the chest. I'm not used to this league of subterfuge...hope it doesn't cost me too much. My word he's an irritating little wretch.

[LynMars]

"You call that an invitation?"

'Seems they were right; this guy is awfully full of himself and more than a little odd. He seems to have some power, though, so best to be careful...'

[Wired*Nun]

"It is the best of times, it is the worst of times. The best of times, because my brother has gone mad. The worst of times, for the same reason. By now most of you know that's Rinaldo I, King of Kashfa. The man who would be king. The man with a signed Golden Circle treaty with his most high majestick high mucky-muckness King Random himself. The man who's mother rules this very Keep, this nifty power center, this shadow crossroads...or did until he tried to kill her. I mean, who expects it from your own son, you know? He's gone mad."

"Only he's very good at not showing it. Remember who his father is? Well, I think he never gave up on that vendetta. I think he wants to finish what Brand started. I think he wanted to start here, in the Keep, at the Fount."

"I stopped him from undergoing the Fount treatment. Amber owes me, big time, but no one will listen to me! He's tried it three more times since then. Even Dalt won't let him near it, and wants to get control of him, but he's not convinced."

Dunstan leaps to his feet to stand behind the chair, hands on its back. "Random won't listen to me, he's ignored all my messages. I was nice, I was respectful, believe me, I may be an 'annoying little man,' as someone once remarked, but I'm not stupid. He said he would 'look into it.' It's been over a year!" Here he slaps his hand onto the leather back of the chair. "And no one wants to listen to a 16-year old kid, right. Fine. I figured I'd do a little homework, use some skills mother taught me before she ended up in a coma, and try to dig up some help myself. Some people who might have some immunity at the Amber end of things. Some people with some stake in things, as I see it. People who might want my gratitude after all this is over, or mother's if she makes it out okay."

Here he lowers his head. "I know you all don't necessarily like me very much. I know I'm not even very likeable. I don't care. I need Rinaldo sane or dead. I need mother back. And I've got no one else to turn to."

[Shutter]

A little voice from Roland's past, Father Tibrone, Think before you speak boy.

Fair enough...I don't buy it. His little display of marking his territory when I arrived wasn't the attitude of a boy who just wants help saving his mother. More likely a vendetta against his brother...but what if it's true? Well, if it's true, shouldn't he arm us with knowledge? Things like, how the hell did he find us? Has he been through the fount?...too many questions, too few answers...time to start asking.

"I'm interested, at least. But I'll need to know a good deal more before I take any decisive action...Things like; How did you find us for starters? I'm not adverse to helping people, my father tells me I do it too easily, but I don't respond kindly to threats. If you look for an equal, an ally, then we can have a dialogue. If you seek a servant, then you've come to the wrong place."

[Wired*Nun]

"To take things in order, Roland: I didn't find you. Mother found you. She keeps her eyes on a lot of things. She has scrying tools and taught me to use them. She started my education very young, and I have talent, or so they say. In any case, she had already located all of you. And others, I might add, who may or may not end up joining us."

"And am I looking for an equal? Would you believe me if I said yes? So no, frankly, I don't think any of you is my equal. Mother tells me that's a blind spot, but it's the truth. I've had expert teachers and intitiations many haven't. I've passed all the tests."

"But rather than trying to make things so black and white, ally or servant, how about this: be my agent. Valuable. Freelance. Respected. Well compensated, with whatever is mine to pay. I respect you, you respect me. I'll even apologise for sticking your feet to the floor, if that's what you require. I can only plead that I was...not entirely myself right then. Invoking the stronger powers can be...unsettling."

[Shutter]

Roland nods. "No apology needed." Rather than give a verdict, he waits for the group do say whatever they need to say next. [OOC: i.e. I'll stop posting in bullet time for a bit.]

Whatever the source, he at least has the ability to turn on diplomacy when he needs it. No idea if he's being genuine or not...Time will tell I suppose. It usualy does. Interesting business about the powers...I wonder what that's all about...

[Wolkhaffen]

"Yada, yada, yada," intones Siodmak. "What's the job? What does it entail? Spell it out." Resuming his seat, "More importantly what's in it for me?" The dark eyed man sips his drink, "Vague, mind, is valueless."

[Wired*Nun]

"Well, what do you want, Siodmak? Or would you rather discuss this in private? I have quite a large list of things you might be interested in. For example; are you happy with the Maze you use now? Would you like instructions in its better use? Or go for the whole thing; I can arrange to get you in to the Pattern itself. Since you are of the Blood, it will accept you...if you can do it."

"I also know your origins...and blood, in this game, is everything. You might even find out that you are descended from someone who might give a crap about you. You are quite the pot, mister, to call this kettle black. Didn't you ever want a mother or father? Maybe you like to know where to find 'Auntie K?'"

"As far as the job, I thought I was clear enough. I need Rinaldo. Preferably brought back, prisoner. If not that, then perhaps you can figure out what or who is affecting his mind, and fix it, or bring the information back for me to use. As a last resort...kill him. I can deal with the fallout later. I have a few more chips to call in with others, but I don't want to do that; that would represent expenditure of capital, rather than investment in new areas, to wit, you here."

[Wired*Nun]

"I can see the revulsion on sweet Raevyn's face. I know you don't have the stomach for this kind of thing...yet. But remember, you would be removing a threat to Amber, of the biggest sort. Or, if you choose to look at it this way, think of it as an investigation, and you need information to make an informed decision. Maybe you can then go running back to all the grownups with your bonnet in hand, lookie, lookie! And they'll say 'thanks very much' and then ignore you too, and they may or may not take any action. Or maybe by that time you will find out I am right, and you will find the guts to do what needs to be done. I would prefer not to kill him, but I'm in kind of a catch-22 here. I can't wake up mother safely unless I question him. I can't question him thoroughly unless mother is awake. Killing him might allow her to recover."

"Did I go too fast? Shall I go over it again?" His tone is alternately pleading and sarcastic, witty and angry, scalding and sincere.

[Wolkhaffen]

"No, quite clear," Siodmak responds. "I think I understand perfectly."

Leaning forward in his chair towards Raevyn, "Tasty Bit, did I show you this one?"

The death-pale man holds a Trump Sketch of Dunstan.

Siodmak's mind slams into Dunstan's.

[Wired*Nun]

[OK, I can see we have to back up a bit. If you are attempting some kind of coordinated action, please give the GM notice beforehand, so he doesn't waste all that time. Everyone please post what they are trying to do as all this is being attempted. As I have said before, I do not run an adversarial game, please don't blindside the GM. It won't help things.]

[Knarr]

[Ok, Boss, sorry. :) ]

As soon as Siodmak starts his trump contact.
Joss launches himself at Dunstan, landing on top of him before his sea chest he released hits the floor. Joss hopes with his hands at Dunstan’s throat, he cannot talk to cast spells or call for guards. It is an all out attack and very sudden.

[Wolkhaffen]

[OOC]
This is not an us (players) against him (storyguide) scene. We seek to take over the Keep from Dunstan. He might get it back once we fully understand what's going on.

[Wired*Nun]

[OK. However, when attempting coordinated action, it's OK to explain it to me first, I won't cheat and short-circuit your plans just because you told me them first. I know what Dunstan is capable of, and not capable of, already.]

[Knarr]

[Understood]
Joss continues to attack.

[LynMars]

Raevyn is startled by the sudden conflict, her own thoughts dashed aside as she jumps up and moves back away from the combat, not wanting to get in the way of the more warrior-like fellows, though she keeps an eye on Siodmak, knowing what a risky thing he's trying.

[Wolkhaffen]

[OOC]
A group of people (big fish in their own ponds) are drawn into the web of an individual who tries to threaten them into doing his bidding. Then gives them a book that basically tells them not to trust him. He then says go kill this guy and I’ll reward you (yea, right).

Siodmak has every intention of investigating the matter just not under threat of retribution for not doing it.

Sorry for any bruised feelings. Won't blind-side you again.

[Wired*Nun]

[OOC]
A group of people (big fish in their own ponds) are drawn into the web of an individual who tries to threaten them into doing his bidding. Then gives them a book that basically tells them not to trust him. He then says go kill this guy and I’ll reward you (yea, right).

Siodmak has every intention of investigating the matter just not under threat of retribution for not doing it.

Sorry for any bruised feelings. Won't blind-side you again.No bruises at all, except my natural minor annoyance at having to type, retype, change, etc. Nothing personal. Play your character as you see fit, that's not the issue here. Only issue is, how do we functionally play the game so it works the best.

[Wolkhaffen]

Tenticles are metaphorical.

/Cave, you pint-sized git/ Siodmak pushes.

[Wired*Nun]

[Shutter pmed me, said he is in a meeting, sent me instructions that he will sit back and wait to see the outcome, only intervening if it looks like someone is getting killed.-GM]

Siodmak's mental attack through the Trump sketch runs into a block of some kind, before it even starts. He isn't reaching Dunstan's mind.

Joss' physical attack succeeds, in that he immediately has Dunstan down and being choked. Dunstan twists for a brief moment, then fades into a rainbow, leaving Joss grasping air.

[Knarr]

“Damn, I thought I had the little shit.” Joss mutters as he gets up off the chair.
Joss then looks at the others in the room.
“ Well, that didn’t work.”

[LynMars]

"What in the world was all that about?" Raevyn exclaims as Dunstan fades away.

[Shutter]

Roland is up out of his chair in a hearbeat, blade in hand, as soon as he sees the Trump of Dunstan. He attempts to interpose himself between Raevyn and the scuffle. In retrospect he might feel a bit silly about that second part, but instincts are instincts.

"The Hell was that?" He shouts as soon as Joss returns to his feet.

Damn...did I forget to tell them that Trumps don't work here?

[Wolkhaffen]

Siodmak looks at Joss. "Sorry, he had some sort of barrier I couldn't pierce. I can’t prevent his Trumping out if I can’t engage his mind directly.”

He looks over at Roland and Raevyn, then back at the sailor. “Looks like we know where we stand.”

Going back into his room he collects his things.

“I expect we’ve out-stayed our welcome.” The pale man heads out the door. “Coming?” he asks.

[Knarr]

Joss looks at Roland with surprise.
“ I thought you would have figured it out with all the significant glances being thrown about. Siodmak elected to try and get the upper ground and I agreed. We never stated it aloud for risk of being overheard, but I thought it was obvious.”

[Knarr]

“Hold on siodmak.” Joss states.
“I believe he still needs us and will come back shortly to talk some more.
Are you saying you wish nothing more to do with him or are you willing to talk?
What do you want to do next?”

[Shutter]

Roland sheathes his sword, taking turns looking from Siodmak to Joss and back again.

"Perhaps I'm slow...No, Dunstan and I discussed the things we needed to discuss, you were there, you heard. I decided to give him a chance, he's a kid, an obnoxious one with too much power for his own good, but a kid. What did you expect to happen if you attacked him in his own home? A place where his power is such that he can block all Trump contact, unless three very powerful people combine to push through? You saw him vanish without a word of gesture before? What possible outcome were you looking for? Even if I hadn't decided to give him the benefit of the doubt for now, why would ally myself against those odds?"

[Knarr]

" Gave it a shot. I thought we were pretty powerful. If we had gained the upper hand, that would have told us something also. Oh well."
" Hell, what does anybody want to do." Joss states as he grabs a bottle from the bar and sits down.

[Wolkhaffen]

“I’m working for me.” Siodmak states “And will give aid and protection to any who join me.”

Standing in the doorway the warlord goes on, “I intend to investigate the Rinaldo fellow and learn what I can of this new world, but,” he raises a finger “I don’t work for those who threaten me.” The pale man mutters, “Teenage twit, barely make a snack.”

[Knarr]

“What say we all work together to see if this Rinaldo character is what Dunstan says he is?”
Joss says, taking another pull of his bottle.
“ Then we can decide what needs doing. I for one would like to walk this Pattern thing and he says he can arrange it”

[Wolkhaffen]

"Perhaps your Trump don't work, but I tested mine and they work fine, Roland," Siodmak says. "The sketch of Dunstan worked as well I just couldn't defeat his defenses."

Turning to Joss, "He has no need of my skills. His motive in bringing us here can't be that he can't do for himself."

[Shutter]

"I plan on looking into this Rinaldo. At this point I don't know how much longer you and Siodmak are going to be with us. If Dunstan expends the kind of effort I wouldn't be surprised to see in hunting you both down and killing you, I don't want to be caught in the crossfire."

Turning to Siodmak.

"No chance his powers are somewhat tied to this place and the farther away we get the less power he has? No chance he has something else to occupy his time, some other pressing threat? Damnit, you didn't even ask, you just attacked! That works just fine when you're dealing with common shadow folk I suppose, but you might benefit from a little more subtlety in a place like this."

[Wolkhaffen]

"I don't do subtle with punks."

[Shutter]

"Punks rarely whip you with such little effort."

[Knarr]

" Ah, but can he leave this place?" Joss asks.
" I don't think he can. If he leaves to "do it himself", he may come back to find this place is already taken."

[LynMars]

"If you want to walk the Pattern, we had better make sure you really are of the Blood first, and I think that can be arranged without his help," Raevyn says, calming down. "As for Rinaldo...He's the one that killed our Uncle Caine, but that feud was declared over. I would think that the King, or the Queen, would have noticed anything amiss. I'll want to look into it as well, but whether or not to help Dunstan, I don't know yet. I don't know enough about what's going on yet." She pulls out her father's Trump again. 'Roland says it won't work...but maybe while he's weakened...or we can all try, like earlier...I want to get out of here, regrdless.' She tries it, not expecting much, though.

[Knarr]

" Can we get out of here if we all try to make the Trump work, like you did when you contacted me?" Joss asks Raevyn.

[LynMars]

"That's what I'm going to try and find out..." She mumbles, distracted by the attempt, focusing on the Trump.

[Wired*Nun]

The trump feels blocked, as before.

[LynMars]

"No go, guys. We'd all have to try, and that's no gaurantee, either; he wanted to let me in. But it's worth a shot, if you're willing." She holds the Trump out a bit more; it's her own style, of Gerard.

[Shutter]

"I'll try and help you push through if you want, but I'm staying here for now. I think Dunstan will let me be on my way before long. I can meet up with you then. I've got a Trump of Amber, and your father, and I can easily make another one of you if need be. I'm not swearing myself to his service, not by a long shot. I need to check on my father too. For the time being, I'm working with Dunstan...Call it 'playing along' if that makes it sound smarter in your world view...All a matter of perspective anyway." If offered the card to help, Roland will bend his will to helping the group establish contact. He won't however, turn his back on Siodmak, or the doorway through which he expects to see armed guardsmen at any moment.

[Knarr]

" I say we all try." Joss says, motioning for Siodmak and Roland to join them.

[Wired*Nun]

[Is everyone doing this? If so, please let me know, publicly or privately, whether your character is using full psychic strength or something less, or is using any other powers, magics or anything to affect the outcome.- GM]

[Wolkhaffen]

Siodmak joins the group effort.

"Dunstan didn't defeat Joss and I, he fled us."

[Shutter]

"I guess we can discuss the semantics of what occured some other time." Roland joins the effort.

[Wired*Nun]

Raevyn pauses a moment, concentrating. The others feel some sort of employment of Pattern, then she says, "Okay, let's go." All four begin to concentrate, straining agianst the barrier that rises before them.

Siodmak drives against the barrier with a startling fury and a powerful psyche. Raevyn herself provides only slightly less drive, but she seems to be feeding power into the contact from her Pattern somehow. Roland and Joss add their considerable mental strength as well, and the barrier bends, weakens, and collapses.

The man on the card stands suddenly before the group in their minds' eye, and staggers under the press of minds. He is struck still, immobile and sweating, as he raises mental barriers and defends himself furiously.

[Shutter]

The instant they break through Roland backs off the pressure, not wanting to frighten, anger, or injure the one living uncle he's been told to trust.

We made it. Hello uncle. I'll let your daughter do the talking. He thinks with a sense of relief.

[LynMars]

"DAD!" Raevyn yells, both mentally and and physically, trying to catch it before he blocks completely. 'Back off a little guys!' she exclaims through the mental link they all currently share. "Can you pull us through?"

[Wired*Nun]

[I was hoping Siodmak would have some input here. For now I am assuming he is not going to try to jump Gerard's mind or anything along those lines. -GM]

When the pressure abates, Gerard reaches out and pulls Raevyn through, hands about her waist. He sets her down lightly and regards the other three with suspicion. "Just who the hell are your acquaintances, Raevyn? Are you vouching for them?"

[LynMars]

"Yes, for now; if they want to come through, please bring them along..."

[Wired*Nun]

With a shake of his head, Gerard reaches for the other three. [Presumably everyone comes through.]

Colossus starts as the three others appear, and Gerard soothes him with a word. At this point everyone realizes that they are in stables of some sort, and Gerard has been currying the enormous Percheron behind him.

Hands on hips, Gerard looks over the three visitors. His eyes are drawn to the big man in front of him, who overtops him by an inch and outweighs him by twenty pounds or so. After staring at him for a moment more, he looks at Roland, then at Siodmak.

"I don't recognize any of these men. Someone make some introductions."

[LynMars]

"Glad we're out of there...." Raevyn will make very proper introductions, starting with Roland, then Siodmak, then Joss, assuming they all came through ((Will edit to something more appropriate when it's actually determined who came through the Trump, unless Gerard just yanked all of them along))

[Knarr]

[Joss of course went through.]

Joss looks over this person he was told might be his father and steps forward.
“My name is Joss. Thank you for pulling us out of there. An annoying little man who seems to have gotten his hands on some power runs the place we left. While that would be enough, I’m told you may be my father and this young lady my sister.”
Joss indicates Raevyn..

[Wolkhaffen]

"Ah, where are we?" Siodmak asks.

[Shutter]

Roland didn't plan on going through with the others, but he wasn't going to fight it if Gerard tried pulling him through. He feels honor bound to stay and try to learn more from Dunstan, but the pull of family is strong, as is his curiosity.

[OOC:In short; GM call.]

[Wired*Nun]

[Splitting the thread now.]