Andelia, without so much as a warning, decided to help out the unicorn situation by sending Zenn, the unicorn, Kal, and Laurel to the spire on the glacier. *POOF*
One moment, they're all standing in a wooded glen eagerly discussing how to best treat the wounded unicorn... and in the next heartbeat, they're in a large, dark, and incredibly COLD tower...
[Kal]
Kal, who is only wearing a grey cloak tied around his waist, makes a sort of strangled sound, and slowly begins turning blue...
[GM]
Well, that was a surprise teleportation. Andelia must have aimed well... you appear INSIDE the tower, in what appears to be the ground floor. It looks awfully advanced inside, although the decor is gothic steampunk in a way. There is a door that leads outside, and a complex elevator device with all sorts of switches. There are no stairs.
[Kal]
Kal, ever the prudent one, immediately begins looking for a closet or something similar that might contain substantially warmer clothing.
[GM]
None in sight.
[Laurel]
With a startled look at her new surroundings, Laurel murmurs "Well! Now where are we? It certainly seems to be my day for unexpected translocations".
[GM]
Zenn chatters excitedly. "We're here! Can we do that again!"
[Laurel]
"Again?" murmurs Laurel, weakly. "I should certainly hope not. Not for a while, at least. I'd like to be able to get my bearings for a while. And we have this poor creature to look after".
[GM]
Suddenly, within all of your heads, a memory springs to mind... A stocky dwarfish figure, whom most recognize as Dworkin, is standing in front of a blackboard with undecipherable numbers, and you're seated in a chair (alone).
Dworkin sniffles. "This memory has been assembled through the miracles of genetic/trump hybrid engineering, and the fact that you are receiving this message means that my Unique Report Delivery Apparatus has been activated. All currently active descendants of mine will receive this important message, concerning the current state of crisis. In all likelihood, I am incapacitated, and it is up to you to respond to the situation.
"It is my belief that my experiments in Trump, or someone else's experiments, have inadvertently let in some Primaeval force, the precise nature of which is unknowable at the moment. However, it began with a simple infection spread through Trump. The living Universe fought off the first wave of infection easily, through a natural process called Paradigm Shift, where the infected are pshifted into alternate forms. This is the true source of Shape Shifting power, but much more powerful and dangerous. A thing may become any other one class... a man can become a mountain, a sword, an entire species of birds, or even lowest of lows, say a patch of brainmelon. I suspect some of you may recover from your transmuted states earlier through either natural ability or intervention, and it is up to you to restore Amber. Make sure all the pieces go in the right places. At least one of you will have to learn how to achieve the Paradigm Shifting skills to accomplish that.
"However, the second wave of infection will be much, much more intelligent, and may take any form. Beware. Restore Amber, and me, and perhaps by then we will be ready to deal with the third and most vital wave.
"The fever's getting to me, which means the Paradigm Shift will occur soon to fend it off. Good luck. This messenger will self-destruct in five seconds."
That's the end of Dworkin's message.
[Laurel]
Laurel looks around at the others. "From the looks of you, I'd guess we all just got that message from Dworkin? Well, we can get to that once we find some help for this poor unicorn".
With that, she begins studying the elevator controls.
[GM]
In the ground floor of the Spire, a set of stairs descends mysteriously from the ceiling, and down comes three people: a tall, silver-haired lady, a brown-skinned rajah, and Prince Golan. Already in the room are Laurel, Kal, and a young urchin, caring for a hurt unicorn. Kal is very underdressed, wearing only a cloak. Then, with another *poof* of magic, Garat appears. Then, the front door opens, and Jaunquille and Jen are shown the way in. With them is a baby unicorn, who hastens to the mother unicorn.
A set of stairs suddenly descends, and down walks a pretty lady (tall, long silver hair and eyes, wearing a lab coat) followed by Prince Golan (Benedict's son) and another man, who is brown skinned and has a goatee. With a poof of magic, another man appears... Garat, who is in the Amber guards.
[Laurel]
Laurel turns from her examination of the elevator, to look at the newcomers.
[GM]
The lady speaks. "My name is Lady Nin, and you are all intruders here. Except you, Oisen," indicating the urchin. "You're not running away again. State your business here."
The boy mutters, "I like the name Zenn better."
[Laurel]
"Milady, we apologise for our unintended intrusion. We had heard that you are skilled with animals? If that be so, we would ask if there be anything you can do for this poor creature, who is wounded in the leg, and appears to be infected and poisoned". She indicates the wounded unicorn.
[Kal]
Kal, a commoner to his bones, is staring quite openly at Nin, with his mouth slightly open.
[GM]
The rajah puts his hands on Lady Nin's shoulders. "I am Lord Kolvir of Elektra. She is right... you are trespassing. Are you from Chaos?"
[Laurel]
"Milord, I am not from Chaos. I am Laurel MacLir, daughter of Deirdre and Kireyas MacLir".
Laurel is a fairly tall, slender woman, with waist length platinum blond hair, tied back in a pony tail. She's wearing a white blouse, dark blue corduroy trousers, white calf-length boots and various items of jewellery - a couple of rings, a bracelet, a velvet choker bearing a gem-stone and a brooch can be seen, while a silver chain disappears into her blouse.
[Kal]
This seems to shake Kal out of his current reverie. "Chaos? No... I'm... we're from Amber..."
Kal stands 6'3" tall, and weighs a solid 210lbs of pure work-hardened muscle. His hair is a deep chestnut brown, though his eyes are the brilliant bottle-glass green of his father's familial line. His skin is a deep tan, as much from the heat of the forge as from a good gene pool. He tends to wear simple, well-made clothes cut in typical peasant fashion, much to Florimel's eternal chagrin. A coarse tunic that has been dyed a deep forest green under a shirt of dull chain mail mesh is worn over darker brown pants and soft leather boots. However, while in the forge, he wears a good deal less, preferring to work on in his pants and boots while enduring the intense heat.
This is where the artist captured him on the Trump. He stands by the blazing forge, the fire within bathing the entire scene in a red-gold light. Kal stands poised over an anvil, preparing to deliver another thundering blow to the object he creates, the hammer in his left hand while the right hold down the piece of white-hot metal for shaping. Heavy leather gloves are worn over both hands for protection, and the artist has managed to even depict the fine sheen of sweat that covers Kal's heavily muscled torso.
Of course, as noted earlier in the post, at present, Kal's only attire is a grey cloak tied about his waist to prevent any sort of indecency.
When prompted, he would answer with hesitance. "My name is Kal, milady Nin, and I am merely a blacksmith who found himself unexpectedly in the company of royalty." He keeps his eyes downcast and averted, humble in the presence of such power wielded by so many.
[Golan]
Golan is a young dark haired man of thinnish proportions, who walks lightly down the stairs as if every other step he expects to take to the air. He's wearing a sort of gi jacket and loose pants (vaguely Luke Skywalker wear) and has a forearm sized bundle tucked through the belt behind. The contents of the bundle are hidden by a cloth wrapping tied with blue cords. His hair is long and hangs loosely, his dark eyes scan the folk below. A lack of sun shows on his skin, though he looks healthy enough. Golan seems to be distracted though, muttering something about a man and a mountain as he walks beyond where Nin stops. When he really looks he starts to move faster. He travels down the stair with a short leap and reaches the floor where he smiles broadly and shakes Jen's hand. "Glad you could make it! I think... It either means I'm not crazy or that I'm at least recovering enough to hallucinate about relatives." --Looks over, "Hey Jaunquille! It me, Golan... Remember?" Golan's face and body are momentarily covered with a dark cloth cape and cowl, the Cloakus look you might say. "Can't fault the food here, but they made me pee in a cup for a sandwich.", tilts his head lopsidedly. "These folk aren't from Chaos, but I wouldn't say we don't create it."
[Garat]
"No, I am not from Chaos... actually I am not sure where I am from, but it is not Chaos. My name is Garat." Garat is dressed in black and silver with shoulder length brown hair and dark brown, almost black eyes. He is about 5'10" tall and not a very imposing person. (I don't have my character sheet with me so the description is kind of lacking at the moment.). Garat continues, "If I may ask, Where are we?"
[Jen]
[Quick Description]: Jen looks like a cross of a wolverine and a fur coat. Long honey-colored hair with an open fur sleeveless jacket. Two swords stick out from across his back. His chest is bare.. "Golan? I was trumping you when this all started.... what's happening?"
[GM]
"You must be cold." She claps her hands once, and the door slams shut. "And hungry. I do have proficiency with animals; the Unicorn will be taken care of. In the meantime, Oisen, go get yourself cleaned up in your room, and bring the small unicorn with you. Everyone else will be fed and accommodated, as I am very interested in hearing about Amber. I have always believed it to be a myth."
[Kal]
Kal nods humbly, clearly appreciative of Nin's kindness.
[GM]
Kolvir nods to everyone and makes excuses. "I must return to the city. There are things to attend to." He leaves.
The unicorn is transported by some telautomata to a sublevel, and Zenn and the baby unicorn run along to their room upstairs.
More automata appear, bearing white hospital gowns. "As the nature of the experiments here requires sterile environments, please follow me upstairs to the decontamination chamber and change into these gowns. I am afraid that by entering the tower, you have been exposed to a particularly virulent disease, and I must monitor your conditions and apply the necessary remedies if necessary. I must insist that you remain in quarantine for a period of seven days. Are there any questions?"
[Laurel]
Before changing into the gown, Laurel asks "Will the clothing be returned after the decontamination, or will it need to be destroyed?" As she undresses, she removes the brooch from her blouse, and clips it to the chain around her neck, which bears a pendant.
[GM]
"Whatever you wish. We can decontaminate them separately, or provide you with new clothes."
[Kal]
Several questions about the disease and the need for such a quarantine leap to mind, but Kal remains silent, unwilling to dispute the woman's gracious invitation to stay.
[GM]
Nin leads you all to a large decontamination chamber, where you are asked to strip, place little cusps over your eyes, and let skin flake off. A pneumatic shower strips away all the dead skin. She then leads you through another door, and into an elevator.
[Kal]
Blushing an incredibly deep crimson, Kal will follow the others to the decontamination chambers, averting his eyes each time one of the women present steps forward to receiver her antibacterial shower. He seems to become fascinated in the roofing tile, and is apparently attempting to think bland thoughts...
[Golan]
Feeling silly about it, Golan strips to the skin and steps into the shower. He doesn't seem to be overtly interested in anyone else but mildly interested in covering his own.
[Laurel]
Smiling, Laurel thinks {I wonder what he thinks he needs to hide}. She politely averts her gaze.
[Golan]
At one point he does sort of notice and turns a faint red. From head to toe he melts down to nothingness...
[Kal]
Kal watches the entire scene, a bewildered look evident on his peasant features. One can almost hear the slow wheels grinding in his thoughts, ((What in the hell have I gotten myself into...))
[GM]
"This facility is a medical research building. We conduct certain shape-shifting experiments in order to better understand the virus that might have infected you. I will require some blood samples and tissue samples for lab tests. Then, I will administer an injection that will help you resist the virus.
[Kal]
At the mention of drawing blood, Kal balks openly. "Beggin' your pardon, milady, but I've never been sick a day in my life. I really would prefer not to offer up any pound o' flesh if it can be avoided, and there's no way I'm letting you inject me with something just because you say it's good for me." His ears burn with scarlet embarrassment, but he continues. "I appreciate what you're doing for the unicorn and all of us, but I'd just as soon prefer to remain whole, if you don't mind."
[Laurel]
Feeling invigorated from the shower, Laurel puts on the gown, and listens to Nin.
[GM]
"Meanwhile, enjoy our guest facilities, which is three floors. There are quarters on the top level, a dining room and kitchen on the mid-level, a recreation room and lab for use on the lower level. If you need me, buzz. I'm afraid the other levels are restricted, as you may disturb delicate experiments and patients in critical condition. My office is on the floor above the guest quarters. There will be a feast in the dining room for your dining pleasure.
"If there are no more questions, enjoy your stay."
[Laurel]
Looking around at the rest of the group, Laurel asks "Well, does anyone have an thoughts on how we might address Dworkin's little problem?"
[Golan]
"Well, first we need to exchange notes I think. Who was ruling Amber last? Oberon... Anybody later than that? I originally came from a time where Random, yeah the kid, reigned."
[Laurel]
"Random? Who the heck's Random" queries Laurel, confusion evident on her face. "Oberon was King last I remember. Always has been. I guess everyone figured he always would be, too".
[Garat]
"Alas, I am afraid I can not bring any light to that subject.", replies Garat, who has remained silent up until this point.
[Golan]
Golan snickers mildly at the hospital gowns, strangely the folk were more embarrassed about them than the communal shower... "Would anyone prefer conjured clothes? They are as decontaminated as the air around you, I promise..." --he holds up a light blue dress for Laurel, sized to suit.
[Laurel]
"Why, thank you, kind sir" Says Laurel, taking the dress. Putting it on, she exclaims "Why, the fit is perfect. And in my favourite colour, too. Sir, your attention to detail does you credit".
[Golan]
"You'll pardon me if I --ahem-- sized you up."
[Laurel]
Arching her left eyebrow, Laurel says "Ah, so that's why the shower felt so exhilarating".
[Kal]
Kal coughs quietly. "Yes, milord, I would appreciate such an act of generosity. I fear that these robes are..." It's obvious to all that Kal's medical gown isn't exactly fitting properly on his frame. "...somewhat too revealing. A simple garb would be best, I think, sir..."
[Golan]
Conjuring homespun brown for his size, Golan does manage to frill it to something presentable to a court servant but not too far from peasant Hornday Best. A heavy belt and buckle of metal and boots finish off the treatment. These he hands to Kal, rather than spinning them on. Wouldn't want to annoy the guy too much.
[GM]
After Nin leaves, a red-haired figure, wearing the same robe as you, steps out of a side room. It's Brand, who has a sour look on his face.
[Laurel]
"Uncle Brand" says Laurel, a look of delight on her face, as she crosses the room to hug him. "Am I glad to see you. Can you tell me what's happening, please?"
[GM]
"Amber has been transformed to something unrecognizable, and the landscape's revolting, literally."
"So... she got you too, eh? How long did she say you're in here for? A week? Try a millennium. That's how long I've been here, give or take a day. Have you ever been vivisected and then put back together again? No? Well, look forward to experiencing it. Do I sound bitter? Damn right I sound bitter."
[Laurel]
"A millennium? That ties in with something a unicorn said about Mom. Has something happened to Mom? And to Amber? Was I wrong to trust Nin, Uncle?"
[Kal]
The lines around Kal's jaw grow firm at this news, but for the moment, he remains silent.
[Brand]
"I'm afraid, dear, that your Mother is at the root of the problem. She isn't herself these days. Possessed, I'd call it. She calls herself Avalon and has been ruling over this warped realm. Against her and her ally, Slew, I have been defenceless. I think Fi escaped. We're a different story. Don't be too worried about Nin, dear. If I were you, I'd be most concerned over your mother. As for this supposed disease story, there is no truth to it. It's all a pretence to keep us in line."
[Kal]
At the mention of the name "Slew", Kal turns and glowers at Brand, the large man's hand slowly curling into a fist. "This... Avalon... has a companion named Slew? It was he whom Caine warned me of just before I was brought..." He looks around then, taking in the gothic architecture amid the sheets of ice. "...here..." Kal then returns his attention to Brand.
[Laurel]
"Wh... what do you mean, Uncle", queries Laurel, uncertainty evident from the tremor in her voice. "How is Mom the cause of the problem?. And what is the problem, exactly?"
[GM]
He ushers everyone into the lab. "After a thousand years of escape attempts amidst long years of forced incapacitation, I've a good mind to make real changes in the world according to my own tastes, once I get out." He laughs. "I've been honing my mental skills in the meantime. Anyways, here's the plan." He holds up a ring with a wheel of spikes on it. "This is the closest to a Spikard that I've painstakingly made over the years. If given enough energy sources, it could possibly focus that power enough so that we can all escape. Unfortunately, I've been cooped up in here for so long. I've been waiting a long time for more people to show up. See, all you have to do is to become one of the energy sources for the Neo-Spikard, by establishing a Blood Link to it. Prick your finger on one of the needles, and voila! It is done." He pricks his finger on the ring. "See how easy it is? Who would like to volunteer to help us break out? Oh, conventional means are impossible. The structure appears to be made of pure Unicorn ivory, resistant to Trump and Magic. But a Neo-Spikard should be able to do the trick."
[Kal]
Kal's eyes narrow slightly. "If you would counsel us against trusting Nin, why should we in turn believe anything you have to say? We know nothing of the circumstances of your 'imprisonment', nor of the workings of the 'spikard' you've fashioned. Other than freedom, I see no common ground we might have, kinsman or no..."
OOC: It might be noted that Kal's peasant demeanour has been replaced by an almost accusatory snarl.
[GM]
"Boy, I see the blood of Amber is within you, which is to say you have our lack of trust. Freedom might be the only thing we're working towards, but it's better than being stuck here for another millennia. Take my word for it, it's not pleasant. Which bull-headed brother spawned you? Oh, sorry, it's obvious. Anyone else want to waste my precious time?"
Brand is starting to get a little angry...
You may all begin cringing.
[Garat]
"If it would not be too much trouble, something similar to what I was wearing when we first met in the park after our game would be appreciated."
[Golan]
Golan frowns. "Park? Are you quite sure that was me?", Meanwhile he spins from air a white silk shirt and leathers, boots and a red cumberbum sash. A moment of consideration and he adds a pouch of something small and jingly. "Cash on hand!" he says tilting his head and google eyeing everyone --while managing to step a *little* further away from Brand...
[Brand]
"I've been honing my mental skills in the meantime. Anyways, here's the plan." He holds up a ring with a wheel of spikes on it. "This is the closest to a Spikard that I've painstakingly made over the years. If given enough energy sources, it could possibly focus that power enough so that we can all escape. Unfortunately, I've been cooped up in here for so long. I've been waiting a long time for more people to show up. See, all you have to do is to become one of the energy sources for the Neo-Spikard, by establishing a Blood Link to it. Prick your finger on one of the needles, and voila! It is done." He pricks his finger on the ring. "See how easy it is? Who would like to volunteer to help us break out?
[Laurel]
"Certainly, Uncle, I am willing to help" says Laurel calmly. Perhaps the others will follow her lead.
[GM]
"Oh, conventional means are impossible. The structure appears to be made of pure Unicorn ivory, resistant to Trump and Magic. But a Neo-Spikard should be able to do the trick."
[Laurel]
Laurel's face pales at this news, wondering at the source of the ivory. Has she inadvertently led the injured unicorn into a trap, she wonders?
[Kal]
The lines around Kal's jaw grow firm at this news, but for the moment, he remains silent.
[Golan]
Golan is working his way *AWAY* from Brand, conjuring clothes for the remaining people. You can tell he's agitated because he momentarily conjures a tutu onto Urda, looking twice and then changing it to more appropriate clothing. Jen is the ONLY one who will end up dressed exactly like what he appeared before, and Golan will quietly hand him his swords as well (had he relinquished them).
[Urda]
Urda's not here.
[Jen]
"Thanks," Jen mutters "How _did_ we get into this mess? Is this disease Dworkin spoke of the disease Nin is worried about?"
[Golan]
"Seems to me a lot of folk in here are awful interested in blood samples... Maybe the stuff I conjured for Nin will suit the loon as well.", he whispers to Jen. Meanwhile Golan removes the bundle from behind his back and thoughtfully undoes the knots while listening to the forming heated words of others. He examines the hilt of a dagger within the folds of cloth and then tucks it back within his loose shirt in the belt, with just a flap of cloth covering its pommel.
[Jen]
"Hmmm... Speaking of blood, how powerful would you say that 'Spikard' thing of Brand is? Maybe I'll volunteer..." Speaking out, Jen says "If no one has any objections, I'd like to try to use the Spikard..."
[GM]
Jen steps forward to prick his finger, and Brand calms down a notch. "There. Isn't that better. All Amberites should be so cooperative. Now, Laurel... what did I mean by your mother being at the core of it all? She was possessed... and acted against us without her knowledge. She was poisoned by a primal substance called Serpent Venom, which has strange properties. There is that primal Infection that Dworkin spoke about, and she has been its puppet for the last 1000 years, while most of you slept. Come... who's next? Already I can feel the power in the ring double." Jen does not feel any ill effects after pricking his finger.
[Laurel]
Worried, Laurel says "Poor Mom. Will we be able to help her? I *know* that if we can free her from the possession, she will do everything she can to undo the harm she's done". Laurel steps up and pricks her finger.
[Garat]
"I am afraid, Your Grace, that I must decline your offer. My blood is kind of special to me, and I am aware of how much power it gives to one versed in it's uses. Until I have more proof of your sincerity, and truthfulness I must decline.", says Garat, with a bow to Brand.
[Jaunquille]
Jaunquille gently runs his left hand down his jacket to smooth out any creases and then walks over to Jen. he nods at her briefly.
"We need to talk."
Then he moves off to a corner of the room and waits...
[GM]
As Brand's Neo-Spikard gains more sources of power, those who have bonded to the ring begin to be enveloped by a pale rainbow, and are fading away. "Come on!" says Brand. "Last chance to take the Brand express out of here."
This is your last chance to bond to the ring, if you haven't done so...
[Jaunquille]
Jaunquille was sitting quietly ignored in the corner, he hasn't said much and has not picked his finger.
[GM]
The two of you (and presumably Brand) can see, in your vaguely transparent state, phantom images that resemble Deirdre, Fiona, and a few other figures you can't make out in a tent. Deirdre seems to be on the verge of giving birth.
If only there was a little more power... then Brand could transport all of you there.
[Laurel]
"Mom" calls Laurel, reaching out towards Deirdre. Then, realising that the images are not solidifying, she pours her Psyche into the attempt, trying to help Brand in his efforts to bring them through.
[GM]
For a while there, Brand, Laurel and Jen fade away, and you hear Laurel cry out "Mother!" before they fade back into the room, collapsed.
"We almost made it," says Brand. "Please... all of you. Just one more person who joins the ring will permit us to form a gateway to the Grove of the Unicorn, and join the others." He holds up the ring. "Last try. Please. The fate of the universe may depend on it." Brand screams, "Okay... we almost made it that time. I think how we can resolve this deadlock. Everyone... join hands in a circle. You there... take his hand... and you... By creating a circuit we might be able to cause a resonance effect with the Neo-Spikard, and enhance its effects and that will bring us all to the Grove of the Unicorn, free at last from captivity. Last chance, people... and you don't even have to be afraid to prick your thumb. And if you refuse, I can't guarantee that I will remain quite sane with further captivity, and you will be stuck in here with me."
[Laurel]
Taking Brand's hand, Laurel says, to the rest of the group, "Please help us". She holds out her other hand, hoping someone will take it.
[Golan]
Golan will quickly step into the circuit and close a pair of hands, Laurel on one side and Jen on the other. "Honestly, I don't have any blood to speak of. My whole body is conjured anyway, but I can help with the circle. I'm assuming you want non-pricks between pricks --no offence intended... By the way, I could shield us with a bubble of AIR power if that would assist in hindering the tower's hold."
Unless told otherwise, Golan begins to weave a bubble of AIR around the group, allowing those that are in to be in and those who want out to step clear... The bubble will also act as protection should anyone burst into the room and try to stop the effort.
[Kal]
Given the choice between possible freedom and being trapped in the tower with an insane Brand for another millennia, Kal steps up and takes the hands of two people on either side.
[Jaunquille]
Jaunquille sits down and watches the whole show. Fondly remembering the childhood stories of Brand the Mad visionary, and his endless attempts to take over amber, with his side kick Bleys. He laughs quietly to himself, because even though every thing has changed, it appears Brand hasn't.
[GM]
With six people in the circle in the following order (Brand, Laurel, Jen, Garat, Golan, Kal), the members in the circle begin to shimmer with the energy of a powerful spell, and the members are forced to spread out quite a lot, with Golan doing much of the stretching by himself. Then they fade away, stranding Jaunquille within the tower!