Session 297 - Feyball, Gateway and the Door to the Golden Circle

GM’s Observations

- One part of this adventure was the Feyball, introducing the characters to the Faerie Courts (and with Ethan as Lord Wynterlyr, and Grant as the Shadow King); the other was their journey towards Amber.

Major Characters

- Ethan, Grant, Hilda

Adversaries

- None

Adventure Hook

- Invitations to the Feyball.

Background

- The PCs are seeking to find Amber. They are curious about it.

Adventure Summary - Part 1 - Feyball

- The adventure starts ‘in media res’, run as a flashback. The Feyball takes place over a month of ‘screwy time’. The location is Emora in the realm of Faraenyl (GM’s note - thanks to the Beyond Countless Doorways supplement by Monte Cook). It is a place of high towers of pure white marble, broad avenues laid with glassine cobblestones, each filled with golden flakes. The trees are blossoming, a sign that this place was recently conquered by the Spring Court.

- Lord Harlin, an elflord with a piercing smile, favoured by Princess Caeralluna leads the Feyball. He dresses in yellows and greens.

- The Autumn Court is led by Lord Kalamist, an elf-lord dressed in browns, oranges and blacks.

- The Summer Court only sent a small delegation, led by Sir Rydvaine. He dresses in reds and greens.

-  Ethan is attending the Feyball as Lord Wynterlyr (his first court appearance) as part of the Winter Court delegation. Queen Mab (the Ice Queen herself) is also present. Ethan is attending alone - he invited Abbie but, to his surprise, she refused. Members of the winter court dress in white, pale blues and browns.

- The Shadow King (aka Grant) also receives an invitation. His predecessor used to not bother showing up or responding. The Shadow King decides to attend but not provide advance warning that he is coming. He dresses in blacks and blues.

- The fey are surprised and ruffled by the announcement of the Shadow King’s arrival, along with Macavity and Brightspur. The other courts are tense as the Shadow Court delegation glides down the steps into the manicured gardens that serve as the Feyball’s arrival area.

- The Shadow King notes that the servants at the ball are all (what appears to be) human children, no more than 12 years old. They serve chilled fruits and drinks. The Shadow King is disturbed by this but says nothing.

- The five fey groups tend to keep to themselves, at least to begin with. The Spring Court has the largest delegation. The Winter court is coldly aloof and does not show any interest in mingling with the others. The Autumn court appears friendly but only to each other. The Summer Court have only sent three low-ranking nobles, a snub towards Lord Harlin as they recently lost Emora to his forces.

- As the Shadow King goes to greet the highest ranking nobles of each faction, Ethan can’t help himself - he goes to chat with members of the Autumn Court. Ethan quickly becomes the ‘life of the party’ - the fey had no idea what to expect of the new Lord Wynterlyr and they welcome a new lord who is less aloof and more willing to engage. The courts accept Ethan with astonishing ease, and he charms them easily. A number of the fey ladies show interest in Ethan, but he is distracted by a Lady of Autumn with red hair (he never learns her name).

- The Shadow King enjoys wordplay with some of the nobles. Apart from Queen Mab, he has no peers here, only those of ‘lesser rank’. He enjoys verbal sparring with one of the Summer Court nobles (Sir Rydvaine) and when he has sufficiently riled the Summer Lord, he sends Brightspur to ‘teach him a lesson’. Brightspur enjoys thrashing Sir Rydvaine and the fey enjoy the spectacle. Brightspur also attracts attention from the ladies by showing off his skills with the rapier.

- Macavity cruises around the Feyball, finds some food and seems content to watch the proceedings. 

- As the ball goes on, some of the fey inquire as to what the Shadow King’s plans are. The Shadow Court has typically been withdrawn and outside the normal rivalry between the courts. The Shadow King enjoys talking with them without revealing anything tangible. 

- Meanwhile, Ethan dances and charms his way from one group to another. He allows himself to enjoy matters. Being Lord Wynterlyr must be good for something after all. 

- In the evening, Queen Mab wishes to speak with Lord Wynterlyr. She is a coldly beautiful fey who never seems to smile. She says that she has been watching him and she gives her approval for him to continue as he has been behaving. She refers to him as Lord Wynterlyr and Ethan feels that he has her acceptance. This acceptance is felt quickly among the other members of the Winter Court. Some of them are more willing to talk with him given that the Queen has accepted him.

- Ethan reflects upon what Lady Vidaniel said (way back in Session 281) - that the Arcadian elves wanted him to take up the position of Lord Wynterlyr because of the change that they thought it would bring. It seems prophetic.

- Grant (as Shadow King) and Ethan both find Emora to be a beautiful place and they would like to spend more time here. They each achieve their goals of being introduced and fitting in. The Shadow King avoids meeting Ethan directly (as Ethan does not recognise Grant as the Shadow King) and Ethan is having too much fun to approach the broody King.

Adventure Summary - Part 2 - Preparation

- The Feyball feels like a dream. It is hard to believe that it really happened. Ethan tells Grant of his adventure and Grant shows interest, never letting it slip that he was there too.

- On Earth Zero (their homeworld), the pair prepare for the journey to Amber. They know that Gossamer reality will be hard to mould - that both Eidolon and Umbra may not work as they get closer to what some have called the ‘One True Realm’.

- Hilda contacts Ethan via Icon and says something strange. She says that she had a funny dream about a strange ball with fairies, and that ‘dad’ (ie: Ethan) was also there. This surprises Ethan - he doesn’t remember Hilda being at the ball and yet she seems to have some memory of being there. 

- Ethan explains to Hilda that he is going to Amber and may be away for a while. He asks her if he would like to spend time with Abigail or someone else (he still can’t reach Isabelle via an Icon). She says that she’d like to come to Amber, and they agree to this. (Ethan privately does a Divination and it suggests that they will reach their destination without incident).

- Hilda joins them on Shadow Earth and they make plans. Hilda has dreamt of this adventure. She says that Amber is a place with unicorns (!!!! huh?). Ethan and Grant stare at her, unsure of what to make of this. Hilda is insistent that she saw a unicorn on a mountain in her dreams.

- They spend some time on Earth preparing for the journey - putting together the things that they will need. Ethan takes a medical textbook with him (to continue his studies) but leaves the Dragon Shield behind. They expect a long journey over land and possibly a sea voyage as well. Ethan spends time reinforcing their equipment with Eidolon. 

- They spend a final evening in Fiveways with a meal at the Tipsy Elephant. The bartender is always pleased to see them and Hilda gets a double-serve of ice cream dessert - it may be a while before they see ice cream again.

Adventure Summary - Part 3 - False Start (Gateway)

- Grant and Ethan head for Vilford, the closest known realm to Amber with a Door. It takes them many days on the Stair but they are in no hurry. They take their time and replenish their supplies from time to time.

- On the journey, Grant receives an Icon contact from Cal. Cal asks if Grant has seen Yaeger Zane or Ethan. Grant confirms that Ethan is with him but he hasn’t seen Zaeger Zane. Cal says that he has been talking with Vala about ways to pursue the Necromancer. Grant confirms that he is still interested.

- Ethan talks to Abbie via Icon. She is still following her own pursuits - she seems tired but is pleased to hear from Ethan. Ethan tells her that Hilda is with him and they’re on their way to Amber. Abbie says that she would have liked to join the adventure but she is busy (she won’t say with what).

- After almost two weeks, they reach a nexus realm with many Doors (many of them blank) called ‘Gateway’. The reigning lord has been missing for two years. It’s a cosmopolitan city, retro-mediaeval, almost Star Wars-like - a strange fusion of different cultures.

- They arrive through a Door ‘that was not supposed to be opened for another two hundred cycles’. Fark (an avian with a long beak) and Vaun (a sylvan creature) are very surprised to see Grant, Ethan and Hilda, and want to know how they got through the Door. Apparently Doors only open where there is a ‘conjunction’.

- Befriending the pair, they learn a lot about Gateway. There are Doors that are always accessible and some that only open when there is an alignment or ‘conjunction’. Nevertheless, this is a realm which is used to reaching other realms and there are many cultures and peoples here.

- Hiring them as guides, they make their way through a densely populated city in order to look for another Door which will lead them to Vilford. In many ways the place feels like the Agora but there are more exotic races here. The food smells good, but Vaun points out that most of the roast meat is probably cooked rat (or something else unmentionable). However, the spiced bread is edible - and laced with cardamom and honey. It is a very complex place with many layers. At last they reach the Partisan’s Pub, a busy bar which has a blank Door in it - a Door that never opens.

- They thank Fark and Vaun and explore the pub. The massive four-armed proprietor speaks with an unmistakably Russian accent. He welcomes them and they order club sandwiches and drinks (yes, a ‘Club Sandwich’ is on the menu). The two Lords of Gossamer can feel that the blank Door is in the back of the pub but it is too crowded to make an attempt to walk into the kitchens.

- Grant notes that a lizard man (a draconian) is watching them - he seems to know they are new to this place. Ethan slips away to find the Door and he succeeds in slipping into the back rooms. He confirms its location (it’s a robust pantry door) but he doesn’t know how to connect it. 

- Grant, Ethan and Hilda decide to leave to see what the lizard man does. Sure enough, the fellow follows and Grant confronts him. The draconian’s name is Hast - he speaks in very simple words but explains that he knows that they are new to Gateway and he was going to offer protection. He needs work. Grant offers him some coins and Hast explains that when ‘conjunctions’ happen, it changes things in Gateway. In seven cycles, the Door to ‘Death’ will open and it is not safe to be on the streets after dark. Grant asks what comes through the door and Hast says simply that nothing comes through the door, but the dead of Gateway do not stay dead when that Door opens.

- Hast seems genuine so they let him accompany them. Ethan and Grant ask many questions about Gateway and the absent lord who rules it. Hast shares his knowledge freely and he explains some of the dangers of this place. They return to the Partisan’s Pub and share a meal together. At last, to Hast’s surprise, they bid their farewells (Hast was expecting a longer period of employment). Ethan hands him some money and promises to find him when they return. Then they head into the back of the Pub, Grant connects the Door to the Stair and they vanish through it.

Adventure Summary - Part 4 - Vilford and Daklan (free port)

- This section of Stair is very old. Everything is weathered, dusty and dry. After a few hundred metres there is a junction. Shortly beyond that is the first Door - a weatherbeaten door which looks like it belongs to a beach shack. Grant knows that this is the right Door but it is not currently connected. Before travelling through it, they explore a bit further and find there are no other close Doors here. Doors are sparse in this section of the Grand Stair.

- Vilford is a trading post on the edge of a large lake. It was established as a neutral place where opposing forces could purchase wares without encroaching on enemy territory. The humans here are stocky but there is also a smaller race that seem goblin-like, but they are taller than usual (they are called ‘hobs’). The people here seem well fed and comfortable. Some of them have small hunting dragons perched on their shoulders (used for fishing and hunting). Hilda is thrilled by this.

- They emerge from one of the houses and look around the township. There are a number of shops here, and a tavern (the Vilford Arms). There are many goats (used for wool production). There are many boats that look like they could be used to ferry cargo across the lake.

- Grant and Ethan know that they are trying to reach the port city of Daklan so they ask around. The free port of Daklan is about three days away. They find that a merchant named Valencia is planning to travel south to Daklan with his caravan of three wagons. He has two hob drivers (Koot and Rix) and isn’t expecting trouble, and he’s happy to take them with him. Another traveller (Garrett) also joins the group. Grant offers to cover the cost of their food, and Valencia accepts the offer.

- The journey itself is pleasant and the food is good (spicy soup). In talking with Garrett, they find that he was born in Amber and he is willing to share more about growing up there, and about Daklan and Diega. He talks about pirates that raid the shipping lanes and that neither Amber or Diega tolerate piracy. Garrett is travelling from the ‘Old Kingdom’ (on the other side of the lake) - he was seeking his fortune but it didn’t eventuate as he had hoped and so he is returning to Daklan where he hopes to find a ship to take him home.

- They reach the coastal city of Daklan. It’s a trade hub with connections into the Old Kingdom, and also Diega (which is the route to Amber) and the Southern Reaches. It has existed for at least a century and has a population of about 25,000 people. It’s an impressive city with high walls and has clearly been well maintained despite its age.

- The sea air is very bracing. Hilda is looking forward to being on a sailing ship. They say good-bye to Valencia and Garrett and find accommodation for the night (staying at the Rye and Sixpence). They meet Captain Clifford and book passage to Diega on a merchant vessel called the ‘Olympia’. While waiting for the Olympia to depart, they use their spare time to explore the busy sea port. They note that many people here seem to be wearing red sashes - it seems to be a fashion craze.

- There are many ships in the harbour and they note that Garrett has signed onto the crew of the ‘Red Sally’, a privateer. They hear about some of the pirate vessels that are at large - the ‘Charon’, the ‘Cormorant’ and the ‘Scarborough’.

Other Impacts

- Abbie is still clearly ‘doing things’ that she does not want to discuss with Ethan. Isabelle is still missing. The other Lords of Gossamer are pursuing the Necromancer. This is all happening in the background.

Session 296 - Finding the Door to Amber

GM’s Observations

- This short session continues to lay the groundwork for a journey to Amber.

- Note that we’re using Roger Zelazny’s Visual Guide to Castle Amber (I have a physical copy) as it provides some good official maps and descriptions of the places around Amber. However, this is at ‘a certain point of time’.

Major Characters

- Grant, Ethan

Adversaries

- None

Adventure Hook

- None.

Background

- In Session 295 the seed has been planted in Ethan’s mind that Amber has magic that enables some of its people (possibly only members of the royal family) to travel between worlds. They have a trading network called ‘The Golden Circle’ which is of interest. Partly he is curious, and partly he is thinking of ways to expand Abigail’s influence. Hence much of this session is pursuing leads.

Adventure Summary - Part 1 - A Conversation with Grant (Ethan)

- Ethan knows from Abigail that she has upset Lofwyr and also probably Grant. It was Ethan’s suggestion that Abigail investigate Marindar as a place to expand her influence, so he feels a little bad that it has gone poorly for her.

- Leaving Abbie in Empire City for a few hours (while she researches the ‘supers’ that dwell there), Ethan contacts Grant and asks to meet with him. Grant agrees and they catch up in Marindar. As usual, Grant is pleased to see Ethan and the two go for a walk along the shoreline, then relax in a seafront cafe under a sail-like canopy.

- Grant explains that he is a bit miffed with Abbie and he would like an apology. There is no long term harm that has been done. Abbie sought an audience with Queen Constance and offered support and protection - and when Grant heard of this he kicked Abbie’s delegation out of Marindar and told them not to return. Marindar is under Grant’s protection and he doesn’t want Lofwyr’s people involved. Ethan listens and apologises for putting the idea in her head. He accepts that Grant still has an attachment to Marindar - he thought that Grant was travelling more broadly and had lost interest in the place.

- They talk about the next poker game, and whether there is any news of  the Necromancer. Ethan asks about Isabelle but Grant doesn’t know where she is. She was last seen with Tinkerbell, but Tinkerbell returned without her. Grant doesn’t think that she is in trouble, but doesn’t really know. The lack of contact is a bit odd. 

- Ethan admits that he’s actually happy as Lord Wynterlyr. The winter realms are comfortable and there is much to discover. He is also a little relieved that Isabelle is not around, as he’s finding himself more than a little smitten with Abbie. It feels a little bit like old times, but some parts are not the same. She’s grown older and she wants ‘more’ for herself. She’s not satisfied with who she is.

- Grant tells Ethan not to worry about Lofwyr. He knows the Emperor well and he’ll let it go. It’s just a minor thing. 

- At a convenient moment in the conversation, Ethan asks about why the slaugh from the ‘Water Rat’ was so afraid of Grant. (GM’s note - see Session 294). The slaugh seemed petrified of him. Grant shrugs and says that he has a reputation in the Shadow Court. Ethan doesn’t realise that Grant is evading him (Grant is super-sneaky). (GM’s note - Ethan does not know that Grant is the Shadow King)

- Ethan confesses that he’s done travelling for a while, but Shadow Earth (Realm 0) no longer feels like home. If Abbie should keep her distance from Marindar for a bit (until it all blows over), then maybe he should move some of his possessions back to Westgate Manor for a bit. He admits to thinking about studying again - he never completed his university studies (because he and Grant found the Door to the Stair. (GM’s note - all the way back in Session 1)

- Grant chuckles at the role reversal. It used to be Ethan who was exploring far and wide on the Stair. Now, given that he and Sophia have gone their separate ways, he’s enjoying time with Tinkerbell - exploring wherever they please. Ethan is surprised to hear that Grant and Tinkerbell are lovers, when it pleases them. It takes Ethan a moment to remember that Grant can shapeshift - he doesn’t know the limits of this ability but he knows that Grant can assume smaller forms (such as a bird). (GM’s note - Tinkerbell is not the Disney version of Tinkerbell. This is a steampunk/inventor version)

- Ethan asks if Grant has heard any whispers of Ares but he has not. They both assume that the Olympian God of War has not forgotten them and is biding his time.

- The two friends enjoy their conversation, and they agree to catch up again soon. Ethan mentions that he still doesn’t know how to connect a Door - this is a level of mastery which only Grant has achieved. Grant describes the process for Ethan to try but Ethan doesn’t think he can apply what Grant describes.

- Grant asks about Sorcery. He knows Ethan learnt a great deal of magic in the Legendary Realm and has been able to employ similar spells in many different realms. Grant asks if Ethan would help him to learn a little magic. Ethan is very surprised by the request - he explains that he isn’t sure how to start teaching Grant but he promises to think about it. They agree to talk further about this when they next meet.

Adventure Summary - Part 2 - Further Research (Ethan)

- Ethan returns to Empire City to the high-rise hotel that he and Abbie have been staying in. She hasn’t noticed his departure - she has been too busy with her own pursuits. Left to his own devices, Ethan contacts Hilda and Whistler to talk with each of them. He tries to contact Isabele as well but there is no response. A quick Divination spell tells him that she is not in danger - he wonders why she is so uncontactable.

- Over the next few weeks, Abigail remains narrowly focused on the ‘supers’ that she is interested in, and she does not share her plans with him. She has become quite fascinated with Empire City - the supers here are powerful but they are hardly altruistic or ‘good’ people. Her favourite is Champion, the so-called ‘superman of Empire City’ - a man with near-godlike powers who likes being superior to all of the other supers.

- Ethan warns her about the dangers of ‘hunting supers’. They both know that she has overextended herself in the past but she seems determined this time to be careful. Ethan notes that she uses a significant amount of magic in this place as part of her preparations. She makes no requests of him at this time but clearly she is expecting to need help at some point.

- Ethan has plenty of spare time so he returns to Shadow Earth and makes an effort to ‘spruce up’ Westgate manor. A lot of the furnishings and interior is very old and worn - he starts organising to renovate the place.

- Ethan also makes multiple trips to the Forbidden Library to continue his research into Amber. On each trip he copies down the relevant accounts that need to be remembered, particularly the history and context behind each anecdote. He finds the journal that he discovered previously - the journal was clearly written by someone who knew a Prince of Amber named Finndo. Finndo is described as a physically imposing person; as the son of the King; as someone who is both strong and proud. The journal appears to have been written by a Warden of the Stair but there is no name used. It definitely isn’t Lucien’s handwriting - Ethan would recognise this.

- Amber is described as the centre of the trade network called the Golden Circle. The closer one is to Amber, the more difficult it will be to manipulate Gossamer Reality. The Princes of Amber make the trade network possible, but it isn’t clear how.

- There is no mention of a Door to Amber or any of the Golden Circle nations, but there is mention of a place called Deiga (or Diega) which is proximate. There are two spellings of the placename - Ethan isn’t sure which is right.

- There are other fragments but nothing as significant as the unknown Warden’s journal. Ethan wishes that there was a map of some kind but he can find nothing like that in the Forbidden Library.

- Ethan returns to Empire City to review all of the notes that he managed to extract. He returns to find that Abigail now has a small team of ‘associates’ with her. These ‘associates’ speak with a Meridian accent - she has clearly been busy. (GM’s note - Meridian is Abigail’s homeland. It was destroyed but was recreated due to Ethan’s meddling) It is clear that Abigail is in command, and her associates are to continue gathering information on her behalf. They operate very much as a military team. Ethan settles down to review his notes on Amber, which takes considerable time. 

- Just before he heads back to Westgate once more, Abigail asks him to tell her more about how he, Grant and Isabelle added aspects to Hephaestus that didn’t exist before. Ethan explains that he and Isabelle crafted vessels to capture the desired aspects in order to create a potent ‘primer’. This then enabled Hephaestus to undertake deeds which would have been otherwise beyond him. When he achieved those deeds, the aspects became a permanent part of him. Abigail asks whether Ethan could craft such a vessel without Isabelle and Ethan says that he believes that he can. He does point out that the vessel has to be crafted specifically for the aspect and the intended recipient. Abigail accepts this and says that she is still deciding whose powers she should acquire. She is also aware that the super is unlikely to want to give up those powers willingly - she expects to have to take the powers by force, and she finds this acceptable and fitting.

- Ethan returns to Westgate. He seeks out help from the lawyers associated with Westgate Manor (Bartholomew and Smith) to establish a new identity for himself (he is listed as Aaron Powell, descended from Ethan Powell). With this new identity, he decided to enrol himself at university. He chooses medicine and is accepted after passing a basic and advanced aptitude test. The course materials are available electronically but Ethan pays extra to have the course materials delivered in hardcopy books (as he feels more comfortable with the older format).

- Magic is well understood to be real on Earth. Healing magic and life extension magic are certainly possible. There are also courses on magical theory but very few have the aptitude to actually wield magic. Hence modern (non-magical) medicine is still much more common than healing magic.

- As time passes, Ethan keeps an eye on Abigail in Empire City, his medical textbooks arrive at Westgate manor and he starts reading them. He makes the occasional trip back to the Forbidden Library but there is nothing else to discover there - the path to Amber is unknown. Diega (or Deiga) is the only clue and he doesn’t know where it is.

- Then one day Whistler contacts him (via a snowflake) - the old snow elf tells him that he has received an invitation to the next Feyball. Queen Mab requests his presence as part of the Winter Court’s delegation. Ethan accepts. He then asks if there is any other news and Whistler says that all is quiet, but there are many individuals that Lord Wynterlyr should visit to ensure that things ‘remain quiet’. Ethan notes the old elf’s warning and thanks him.

Adventure Summary - Part 3 - The Heart of the Stair (Ethan)

- Abigail and Ethan share dinner in one of Empire City’s many rooftop restaurants. She knows that Ethan will shortly have to depart to attend the Feyball as Lord Wynterlyr, and she also needs to depart for Meridian. She says that she has become aware of an ‘opportunity’ on Meridian which needs to be acted upon or it will be lost. She has some ideas as to how to empower herself further but they will have to wait. Ethan asks if she would like him to come with her - she smiles and says that it is better if he does not. 

- Ethan says that he intends to return to Edenspire (Wynterlyr’s Domain) and then to seek out Amber. He thinks it will take some time to find it given that it is not accessible via a Door. Abigail says that she would like to join him, and will contact him when she can.

- They enjoy their last evening together. In the morning, Abigail and her associates are gone.

- Ethan casts a Divination spell to see if she is heading into danger, and the result indicates a complex situation with multiple pressures. But it doesn’t indicate that she is outmatched or in personal danger. He wonders what she is up to as he collects his things and leaves Empire City. She was very focused on hunting supers but she changed direction very quickly. 

- On his way back to Edenspire, Ethan thinks about how to find the Door to Diega (or Deiga) and it occurs to him that there is another resource at his disposal: the Athenaeum, or so called ‘Heart of the Stair’. Lucien is currently away on his own expedition and Isabelle is also away - there should be no one there.

- Ethan knows very few of the shortcuts to get to the Heart of the Stair but he decides to go there at once, even though this will mean delaying his return to Edenspire. This journey takes him two days, and the Athenaeum is just as deserted as he expected. There is still no sign of Isabelle and where she might have gone.

* Image sourced from Google Images

- Ethan rests and then begins looking for books relating to Amber, the Golden Circle or Diega. He is pleased to find that there are books here - Lucien has kept many records. Amber is described in some detail: Amber is the name of the city as well as the place. It is surrounded on almost three sides by the Forest of Arden, a primal forest to the south, west and north. The city of Amber is elevated above the harbour on the slopes of Mount Kolvir. To the east lies the great ocean and the sea routes to the Golden Circle nations.

- According to Lucien (who has clearly been there), Amber is ruled by King Oberon. They have considerable military resources - armies, navies, plus the Golden Circle nations from which to draw upon. There are some crudely drawn maps which show the relation of Amber to the Golden Circle nations - there appear to be dozens of Golden Circle nations - but Ethan reminds himself that the information could be wildly out of date. He has no idea how long ago Lucien recorded this information.

- There is also information about how the Golden Circle works. It seems to be a trading (and potentially a mutual defense) pact. Much trading is done through Amber itself, and there is mention of spices such as pepper, cloves, nutmeg and tea. There is mention of silver (and silver mines) and also the quality of the wood from Amber’s trees (especially for shipbuilding).

- Ethan finds the information fascinating and he spends many long hours pouring over the books. At last he finds what he has been seeking. Diega. Diega itself is a port-town and has no Door, but there is a nearby township of Vilford that does have a Door. Lucien has made notes in the book as to where the Door to Vilford is - there is enough information here for Ethan to find it on the Grand Stair.

- Armed with this information, Ethan leaves the Athenaeum and returns to Lord Wynterlyr’s domains.

Other Impacts

- The abrupt change of Abigail’s focus can’t be of any concern, can it?

- Why is Isabelle uncontactable?

- Isn’t it about time for Hilda to want to spend time with her dad (Ethan) again?

Session 295 - Whispers of Amber

GM’s Observations

- This session starts the transition towards the search for Amber (Zelazny’s Amber) which we decided would be central to the next plot arc (and hopefully by Session 300 we would reach Amber itself).

- The session was run in two parts: one part focused on the Shadow King and some matters which would be of interest to him; the second part follows the adventures (misadventures) of Ethan and Abbie.

Major Characters

- Grant, Ethan, Abbie

Adversaries

- None

Adventure Hook

- For Grant, the session simply focuses on a period of time in the Court of the Shadow Fey.

- For Ethan, his suggestion to help Abigail expand Lofwyr’s influence in Marindar has gone very badly. Lofwyr is furious with her.

Background

- Grant (or at least shadow Grant) is the Shadow King, Lord of the Shadow Fey. Whatever Grant knows, the Shadow King knows, and vice versa.

- Lofwyr is absolutely furious with Abigail’s attempts to expand the Dragon Emperor’s influence in Marindar. Marindar is Grant’s domain. Lofwyr and Grant have ‘an understanding’ and Lofwyr doesn’t want one of his flunkies to mess with that ‘understanding’. Chastised, Abigail is feeling very low.

Adventure Summary - Grant

- The Shadow King presides over his court. Two dark dwarves (Thagg and Brik) give homage to the Shadow King and offer the services. The Shadow King challenges them to forge him a kingly gift. 

- The Shadow King notes that Duke Rackclasp, First Bone Carver and Warden of Early Frost, has a human child that attends him. The Shadow King takes an interest in the situation to ensure the child’s safety.

- An invitation to the next Feyball arrives. The court advisors note that the Shadow King’s predecessor made a point not to attend nor to reply. The Shadow King decides to attend but to reply at the very last minute so as to make a dramatic entrance. The Feyball will be held in the realm called Faraenyl in the city of Emora. Each of the courts has a presence in Faraenyl but currently it is Lady Aluviel of the Summer Court who rules Emora.

- Goblin runners from the underdark world of Alcax report that there is movement in the Underland, a realm that connects to many others. The demon Beligos who ruled much of Underland has been deposed by the Burning Shadows. The Shadow King seeks counsel from the Blind Seer (Revich) regarding this matter.

- Lord Lassalan from the Winter Court arrives and greets the Shadow King. He requests that the Shadow King appoint an ambassador to the Winter Court. The Shadow King appoints Brightspur (of the Ravens) to the position.

Adventure Summary – Part 1 – Return to the Edenspire (Ethan)

- A month has passed for Ethan and Abigail. Abigail’s reputation with Lofwyr has been diminished. She thought she was doing the right thing and did not know that Marindar was ‘off-limits’. Chastised by the Dragon Emperor, she has been told not to undermine Lofwyr’s relationship with Grant again. Many of the resources that she had at her disposal have been taken away from her. 

- Ethan suggested that they go to Lord Wynterlyr’s domain. He is still seeking to understand his domain better and perhaps there is power that she can acquire there. Ethan notes that the faerie realms can be dangerous, and the fey don’t just give away power. It has to be taken or won. Abbie agrees to go with him.

- Lord Wynterlyr’s lands are spectacular and the Edenspire castle is an architectural marvel. Whistler is cold towards Abbie to begin with but his mood changes when he sees that she is a competent sorcerer. The first few weeks at the Edenspire prove eye-opening for both of them. Firstly, there is a ferocity and wildness to this place which is not immediately obvious. Secondly, Ethan sees a side of Abbie that he hasn’t seen before.

- The Lord of the Ice Wolves arrives at the Edenspire to challenge Ethan and claim the title of Lord Wynterlyr for himself. The Lord of the Ice Wolves is a massive man-wolf more than twelve feet tall. The ice wolves that accompany him are equally oversized monsters. The Lord of the Ice Wolves challenges Ethan, promising to tear him apart, limb from limb. Ethan calmly tries to persuade the Lord of the Ice Wolves not to fight him but even using Ethan’s formidable Psyche, the Lord of the Ice Wolves refuses to back down. Ethan understands that the Lord is the biggest and strongest of his kind - if he shows weakness before Ethan, he will surely be slain by one of his own pack.

- The two combatants strip down to fight. Ethan’s skin is very pale and he looks very small compared to the Lord of the Ice Wolves. Whistler offers them a choice of weapons. The Lord of the Ice Wolves wields a large, serrated blade. Ethan takes an axe and a long knife, both made of faerie steel, and both previously honed with Eidolon.

- The battle is fierce but one sided. The Lord of the Ice Wolves is strong and powerful but is completely outclassed against Ethan. The Lord of the Ice Wolves is unable to land a blow on Ethan, and Ethan slashes him time and time again, weakening him. The Lord of the Ice Wolves is still unwilling to yield, and Ethan decides to kill him. It is the way of things in this place. With dark red blood spreading out across the floor and freezing in places, Ethan makes it clear that he is Lord Wynterlyr now. They can choose a new leader if they wish but he expects them to come when he commands it. Whistler asks what Ethan wants to do with the body. Ethan tells Whistler to make a suitable garment from the fur coat as it should deter future challengers.

- Abbie has seen Ethan fight before, but not up close in brutal one-on-one combat like this. She is surprised and wants to learn more about this realm. Ethan explains what he knows and asks Whistler to answer questions that he does not know the answer for. Whistler doesn’t seem to like answering Abbie’s questions (she is not Lady Wynterlyr), but he dutifully obeys Lord Wynterlyr and does as Ethan wants.

- Abbie learns quickly about Wynterlyr’s lands and the many challenges and opportunities that exist here. Lord Wynterlyr is important in the Winter Court and should Queen Mab accept him, Ethan will be in a powerful position. The Ice Wolves will follow him. Winning the allegiance of the Frost Giants may take time but it could be done. The dwarves that live beneath the mountains have already pledged their loyalty. The regular people (the peasants) that dwell in Wynterlyr’s domain have not been treated well in the past, but the previous Lord Wynterlyr has been absent for a long time – she has every confidence that they will see Ethan in a new light.

- The Cold Maidens will not follow Ethan, nor recognise him as their Lord unless he sleeps with one of them. Abbie encourages this, which surprises him – she sees it from a purely practical point of view and Ethan is once again reminded that Abbie is not English, and not from Realm Zero. 

- Abbie herself has no status of her own and is unlikely to have any status until she makes her own mark. She has engaged with the fey before, but this is the first time that she has been in a faerie realm. She observes and bides her time. She understands that Whistler and others in Lord Wynterlyr’s court are watching her – Is she a weakness of Lord Wynterlyr’s that could be exploited?

- Ethan teaches her some of the subtleties of faerie magic and Abbie quickly adapts her own sorcery to incorporate the new magic. She is already a highly capable sorceress, and it does not take her long to show that she is independent of Lord Wynterlyr and can take care of herself. Her spells protect her from magical cold, and she demonstrates a level of competence with the blade and in unarmed combat that Ethan has not seen before.

- Time passes and they explore the nearby lands and villages together. They consolidate Lord Wynterlyr’s rule over his domains very swiftly and begin to enjoy their adventures in the wintery wilderness. However, Ethan can tell that Abbie remains unsatisfied. She is acquiring a knowledge of faerie magic but this is hardly the capital-P ‘Power’ that she craves. Ethan knows that unless she can acquire her own power, she will leave. 

- He mulls over the situation and decides that he will help her, even if this means revealing some of his secrets.

Adventure Summary – Part 2 – A Visit to Empire City (Ethan)

- Ethan takes Abbie on a short walk on the Grand Stair. He reaches the Door that he is seeking and they step out into a modern city with tall skyscrapers. It is cool. It has been raining here - the streets are wet and there is a light drizzle. The people here look like normal people, except that there is more variation in hair colour. There are people with browns, blacks and grey hair but there are also people with dark green and deep purple. 

* Image of ‘Empire City’

- The city looks like any other modern city, but it is a little dreary. It feels like rush hour is over and the city is taking a breath. Ethan and Abbie adjust their clothing with a glamour, and they head to a local coffee shop which has cakes on display in the window. The queue is short. The shopkeeper looks at Ethan strangely when he offers a silver coin to pay for their beverages, but he ‘handwaves’ it as a tip and the money is accepted.

- They sit down by the windows and watch the people come and go. Abbie asks Ethan if he has come here before and he says that he has (but he doesn’t tell her when). She sighs and says that she doesn’t want to go back to Lord Wynterlyr’s domain. She loves being with him but it isn’t helping her move forward. She needs to do something to impress Lofwyr, maybe even something dangerous, and she is starting to realise that she needs to do it alone - without him.

- Ethan sips at his tea and says that he has some other ideas. Abigail is happy to hear Ethan’s thoughts - she laments that she ran out of ideas a long time ago. Ethan asks what she thinks of this realm. She looks blankly out the window across the cross-walk but can’t see anything special about this world. She takes a moment to use sorcery to feel how strong magic is in this place, but can’t sense anything unusual. Abbie asks if Ethan is toying with her and he assures her that he is not.

- She finishes her coffee and sees nothing of any interest. Sensing her frustration, Ethan decides to move on. He suggests that they return to Realm 0 (Earth Prime) as he wants to show her something. She agrees to this and they leave Empire City behind.

Adventure Summary – Part 3 – Return to Realm 0 (Ethan)

- The cats and ravens are surprised to see Ethan and Abbie. The raven Zakath informs them that Grant visited only a week ago and there is hardly any mail. Abbie seems a bit depressed. She asks what they are doing in Westgate Manor and Ethan asks her to be patient. They start walking towards Fiveways. It is a pleasant morning and the sunshine improves Abbie’s mood. She asks if the Tipsy Elephant is still there. She has fond memories of the place but she doesn’t think nostalgia will help her (if this is what Ethan is aiming for).

- The Tipsy Elephant is quiet (it’s not even eleven o’clock) but it is open. Abbie has used a glamour (as she was famous on Realm 0) so no one will recognise her. The bartender (Tom) recognises Ethan and even calls him ‘My Lord’. He hopes that Ethan will stay for the next gathering of the ‘Lost Legends’ (the survivors of the Legendary Realm). Ethan explains to Abbie that many of those from the Legendary Realm have found new homes and happiness on Earth, and in Fiveways.

- Abbie asks if this is all that Ethan wanted to show her. She isn’t impressed - she remembers the destruction of the Legendary Realm and that the Bloodstone Army was destroyed when she was in charge of it. Abbie agrees to sit down and eat a meal, but she is very tense meal. Ethan tells her that the people from the Legendary Realm don’t see her as responsible - they would be happy to see her again. Abbie remains unconvinced.

* Image on the left is of Ethan by Dashinvaine. Image on the right is also by Dashinvaine which I use for Abbie (Abigail)

- So Ethan tells her that the Legendary Realm may still exist. He tells her of his adventures on the Paths of the Dead, and where he found a Red Door that led to something that felt exactly like the Legendary Realm. He doesn’t think it is dead - he thinks it is hurt, in hiding, and it really hates him. Abbie listens to this as she considers a plate of battered fish and mushy peas. She doesn’t see how she can use this information. Even if the Legendary Realm exists, reaching it and controlling it would be exceptionally difficult. Ethan notes that this is exactly what she wanted - something hard, important - and something that he probably can’t help her with.

- Abbie mulls over the idea, and accepts a pint of bitter from the bartender. Her mood improves a little. She asks if Ethan has any other ideas. 

- Ethan suggests that they play a round of pool, put on some music and he’ll share his thoughts. She agrees to this, on the condition that he doesn’t put on any of Abbie’s own songs. He asks if she would consider dropping the glamour and she agrees to this, just for a little while. Tom recognises her as Lady Abigail (from the Legendary Realm) and is deeply pleased to see her again. He introduces his wife, and family and practically begs them to stay. So while 80s music is playing on the jukebox, and they play some quite competitive pool, Ethan shares some of his ideas and Abbie relaxes.

- Ethan tells Abbie about the Forbidden Library, a place where secrets are placed to be forgotten by the outside world. He has never taken anyone else there (not even Isabelle) but if Abbie is after things that would give her power and bolster her own position, she will find plenty of ideas there. At first Abbie is doubtful, but then she is astonished. Astonished not only because such a place exists, but also that Ethan would share this information with her. 

- In the afternoon they walk back to Westgate Manor. Abbie is keen to go to the Forbidden Library but Ethan points out that they need to be prepared first, and what she is seeking may not be found on the first visit. Zakath (the raven) helps them to order ‘home delivery’ of provisions for their journey which they pack into a small daypack. Ethan mentions that they should consider returning to Empire City as well but he doesn’t explain why.

Adventure Summary – Part 4 – Whispers of Amber (Ethan)

- Ethan takes Abbie to the Forbidden Library. He explains the use of the necklaces to avoid being trapped by the time dilation magics in this place, and he encourages her to seek out the secrets that she craves. (Ethan has not disclosed to her how to remove information from the library)

- The two split up. Abbie starts looking through the many shelves and racks looking for secrets which might be of interest to her, whilst Ethan decides to find answers to his own questions.

- Time passes. 

- Ethan locates a journey written by a scholar which postulates that there is a guiding intelligence behind the Grand Stair and that wardens are ‘chosen’, but there is nothing revolutionary in that message. 

- He looks into spells which can open Doors and finds that there are many - but it requires time and effort to tailor the spells to the target Door. Again, nothing particularly revolutionary in that discovery.

- He wonders about the hidden landing that Realm 0 is on, but there is no mention of it.

- More time passes. Abbie is still trawling through books, looking for ideas and clues. She seems much happier though. 

- Ethan goes back to his own studies. He knows that fey can move from one realm to another without using the Great Stair. He knows that Sorcery can be used to move from one realm to another. He believes that the Olympians have their own methods to achieve the same. He wonders if there is anything in the library that might give him further insights or reveal other groups that have their own ways of traversing from realm to realm.

- As time passes, Ethan finds the occasional reference to a trading network called the Golden Circle. Ships set sail from one realm and are able to reach others. This intrigues Ethan. He has never heard of the Golden Circle, and he wonders how these ships can reach other worlds - is it some device or mechanism on the ships themselves or are the captains themselves a kind of sorcerer?

- A realm called Amber is mentioned as being connected to the Golden Circle but somehow apart from and perhaps above the others. At first it is not clear why Amber is special, but as Ethan reads more across a dozen books and maps, he finds that the people of the Golden Circle revere Amber as being very special indeed. Amber is the centre of their universe. There is mention of Amber’s royal family and they wield ‘strange magicks’. There is nothing explicit in the texts that says that Amber’s royal family is responsible for the cross-realm trading network but it is strongly implied. Ethan finds this fascinating, especially if this is separate from the Grand Stair’s network of Doors.

- Ethan records in code the key words of what he has found out. He records information about the Golden Circle and Amber as being worthy of further investigation, that Empire City is worth returning to, and there is no answer to the origin of the Hidden Landing. He then ‘breaks’ the code and returns to check on Abbie. 

- Abbie has found lots of information but nothing significant yet. She would like more time. Ethan points out how much time has passed and that their provisions are low. He suggests that they take a break, but that she should place a mark where she got up to.

- Leaving the Forbidden Library, the two forget everything that they have learned. They know that they have been studying and their provisions are depleted but Abbie despairs that she doesn’t remember anything of what was learnt. Ethan tells her not to worry, and suggests that they return to Empire City for tea and cake. Abbie is a little confused but she agrees to this.

Adventure Summary – Part 5 – Return to Empire City (Ethan)

- It is the end of the day in Empire City. It is dark and the streets are mostly empty, but the coffee shop remains open. Ethan buys the local newspaper and they order tea and cake. Abbie asks what the ‘trick’ is with the Forbidden Library - he wouldn’t go there unless there was some way of remembering or retaining the information. They sit down and Ethan stitches back together the code and reads the message to himself.

- Ethan explains that he found reference to a place called Amber and a trading network of realms called the Golden Circle, but then he made mention of coming back to Empire City. Abbie is curious - did she find this information in the library, or did Ethan find it? Ethan shrugs - he doesn’t know. But one of them did and it must have been important enough to note down.

- Trying the carrot and walnut cake, Abbie asks about Empire City. Ethan smiles and shows her the front page of the newspaper, which shows a black and white photo of a superhero in flight. He explains that he made a note to himself about Empire City in the Forbidden Library which probably means that he didn’t find any better ideas. Abbie stares at him, and Ethan explains patiently that they recently succeeded in making Hephaestus ‘whole’ - adding parts to him that he was never born with, Abbie quickly understands. She asks if Ethan thinks that there is a way to give her powers that would work in every realm. Ethan nods politely and sips at his tea.

- Abbie sits back in her chair and states matter of factly it would be ‘pretty cool’ to be superstrong, invulnerable and able to fly. Then she wouldn’t have to be afraid of monsters. Ethan notes this but points out that if she adds things to herself, she’ll still be Abigail but she’ll also be different than before.

Adventure Summary – Part 6 – An Icon Conversation with Vala (Ethan)

- When Ethan has a private moment, he decides to contact Lady Vala via Icon. She accepts the contact - she always seems to know when he’s going to contact her, and she always seems to have time to talk to him. They exchange pleasantries. She mentions the Necromancer and congratulates him on his position as Lord Wynterlyr. She asks politely if he has met Queen Mab yet. He asks if she has seen Lucien but it seems that he is still on one of his ‘private errands’. 

- Then Ethan asks what she knows of a place called Amber. For once Vala is surprised by the question. She knows of it but the last contact with Amber, or at least someone who claimed to come from there, was hundreds of years ago - before the Great War (against the Dwimmerlaik). Ethan asks further questions and Vala answers him. Drake met one of the so-called ‘Princes of Amber’ - someone who could travel from reality to reality using a kind of sorcery that appeared to be part of the royal bloodline. Vala finds it strange but she can’t remember the name of the Prince, nor what he looked like. She remembers that he was very proud. Drake had a friendship, of a kind, with the individual but it didn’t last. The Prince insulted Drake and refused to recognise him. They fought a duel to settle the matter.

- Ethan is surprised to hear that the duel was fought in Shatterlight. The unnamed Prince turned up (without using a Door) and rudely picked a fight with Drake. Drake accepted the challenge and they came to blows. Both were wounded. Drake broke the Prince’s arm as part of the fight. It was only when both were wounded that the Prince calmed down a little. Vala used Eidolon to heal the injured Prince’s arm and the Prince lost interest in fighting. He was suitably impressed by the healing and left shortly after. To her knowledge, there hasn’t been any contact since. 

- She thinks it odd that she cannot remember the details. (Ethan wonders if this is because of certain information being stored in the Forbidden Library but discounts the thought) 

- Vala mentions a Door that was used to access a place near to Amber, but she knows of no direct way of reaching it. She asks how Ethan came to know about Amber and he explains that he came across a written account which mentions Amber - a realm where the royal bloodline have the ability to reach multiple realms, perhaps some sort of inherited sorcery. It mentioned that Amber has many trading partners - other realms that it interacts with. Vala listens and asks if Ethan plans to visit Amber. If he does, she advises him to be polite and diplomatic. What she remembers of the unnamed Prince was that he was very proud (to the point of arrogance) and more than a little vengeful. She doesn’t know how big or small the royal family is, but the unnamed Prince was a match for Drake. They could be dangerous.

Other Impacts

- Apart from planting the seed in Ethan’s mind that Amber could be worth visiting, this session also plants the seed in Abbie’s mind that she could become ‘superpowered’. What could possibly go wrong with that? Haha…