Sunday, May 13, 2012

Vilimere

78 comments:

Syphon said...

Eric contacts you by Trump. 'Father is dying. Get to the throne room now.'

Vilimere said...

Vilimere rushes quickly to the throne room caution to the wind.

Syphon said...

You reach the throne room. All of your brothers and sisters are there and Oberon, your father, sits low in his throne. His face is lined and drawn.
'Ah, you're all here.' He states in a low voice. 'As some of you know I have been sick lately. I have discovered the nature of my sickness. I have been poisoned.'
Gasps ring out across the throne room.
Bleys steps forward, 'Who would dare to poison the King of Amber?' He begins staring accusingly at his brothers and sisters.
Oberon speaks slowly, 'As I will die soon, I need to find an heir to my throne.'
He holds up a green gem the size of an orange.
'The Jewel of Judgement. The 'crown' of my title and the source of my great power.' The Jewel fades and is gone.
'I have sent the Jewel into shadow. Whomever finds it and brings it back to this throne room shall be my heir and the new King of Amber. Until this is achieved Eric will serve as Regent.'
Oberon slumps in his chair and slowly disappears.
What Are You Doing?

Vilimere said...

Vilimere steadys himself on a nearby pillar choking back emotion. His father is gone, or so it seems. It takes him some moments to steady. He looks around the room and surveys his siblings.

Anonymous said...

Trink runs out of the throne room crying. Rahnspur and Eric are talking in the hall. Benedict is standing silently by himself. Bleys is talking loudly with Caine, Deirdre, Flora and Gerard. Brand and Fiona are talking quietly. Julian, Llewella and Random seem to have slipped out.
wayd?

Vilimere said...

Can I hear what Bleys is saying to Caine from here?

Anonymous said...

They can probably hear him in the Courts of Chaos. lol.
He's accusing everyone of killing Oberon and lamenting (very loudly) of his father's untimely passing. All in all, being a drama queen.

Vilimere said...

Having regained his composure he makes his way out of the room. He briskly walks to his quarters and gathers his things. He has decided to continue on his quest for the patternblade, now more then ever he feels he may need to defend himself. He sets out immediately.

Anonymous said...

Leaving by horse through the forest it will take three hours til you are far enough away from Amber to shift Shadow. Leaving by boat, it will take anywhere from two to four hours, depending on the wind, to get far enough away from Amber to shift shadow. You could go through the mountains but that'll take a lot longer.
wayd?

Vilimere said...

Through the forest please.

Anonymous said...

You make your way through the forest, three hours pass. Describe how you are shifting shadow. Small things at first. And say exactly what you are looking for.

Vilimere said...

Well I don't remember the clues or anything I was told thanks to Facebook. The dodgy piece of crap. BUT! I guess I'll give it a go since it's lost forever!

Vilimere focuses in his minds eye his destination, the words from the old tome whirling around in his head. He concentrates as his thoughts lock onto his price. His pace quickens and as it does things around him begin to chance. The trees begin no reaching as high and become more sporadically placed, the grass beneath his feet seems to dissolve and is replaced by sand. Rocky out crops being to form and several moments later a mountain range appears. Vili searches...he knows the patternblade is near.

Anonymous said...

As you walk you see a small village ahead. Several small houses and one quite large inn that doubles as a shop. There's no one around except an old man sitting outside the inn. He calls out to you, 'Welcome, friend! Sorry everyone else in the village are out working in the fields but if you help me inside I can pour you a drink.' He stands, his legs shaking uncontrollably and he offers his right arm to you.
wayd?

Vilimere said...

Always suspicious of outsiders Vilimere attempts to let his mind wander out to the old man's to sense his intentions.
He walks towards the man.

Anonymous said...

His mind is really focussed on the pain coursing through his body but you can also sense his genuine helpfulness and happiness at having someone to talk to. He's still trying to lean on you.
wayd?

Vilimere said...

He helps the man inside and begins to try and make conversation.
"So old man, how are you here on your own? What is your name?"

Anonymous said...

He takes a seat behind the bar and begins to pour an ale for you. 'My name's Walter. I own this bar. The town is a farming community so it's pretty quiet round here during the day. So what's your name? How long are you going to be in town?'
As he talks you can see a painting behind the bar. It looks really really old and it's of an enormous sword.
wayd?

Vilimere said...

"Greetings Walter. This is a fine bar you have here. You can call me 'V'. I'll just be passing though...say that's an interesting painting above your bar. Where's it from?"

Anonymous said...

'Oh, yeah. The painting. It's called the Patternblade. Sixty years ago a man gave me this bar under strict orders to keep this painting safe. I don't know why this guy thought this painting was special looks just like a normal painting to me. But I promised to never let anyone touch it.'

Vilimere said...

"Hmmm...you must have a plethora of entertaining stories working here, I imagine."
Vilimere reaches his mind out to the painting to discern if it is indeed genuine and what qualities it may possess and specifically if it is linked to anything else.

Anonymous said...

You sense that it is a very large Trump picture and it's linked to another place.
'Oh I could go on and on, but let me pour you another drink.'
wayd?

Vilimere said...

"Thank you Walter. It's nice to find someone on the road to speak with" Vilimere downs his drink.
"I have a fair knowledge in paintings of you wish me to take a closer look." Vilimere attempts to plant the suggestion in the man's brain that this would be a good idea.

Anonymous said...

The suggestion goes against his sixty year old mission so it doesn't work very well.
'I suppose you could tell me what you can see from there. I can't let anyone near it. I promised.'
wayd?

Vilimere said...

"Of course. Well you can see that the sword itself is the main focus in the picture so the artist obviously held it in high regard which would mostly likely be the reason that the painting is so bug as well. Whoever drew this was most obviously a fighter or a blacksmithy. You can see by the precision of the lines even from this distance. And the background of the picture...what is that location? Do you know?"

Anonymous said...

'I've never seen any place like it. So far as I know there's no mountains like that anywhere near here.'

Vilimere said...

"How very curious, don't you think? My I would like to study that closer. Can you tell me why this man left it in your possession and why apparently it's untouchable? I am just curious you see" Vilimere flashes a brief smile to Walter.

Anonymous said...

A confused look crosses his face. 'I've never really thought about it before. But now that I think about it, it seems strange now. A man gave me an entire bar/inn/shop and all he asked in return is that I make sure no one touches this painting. It's weird.'
Walter looks disillusioned.
wayd?

Vilimere said...

"Oh he gave you this place for free under that proviso?
I must admit if it was me I would have gotten a closer look before the dust even settled on the road. I do love a good mystery, don't you?"

Anonymous said...

'To be honest I've never been overly curious at all. I still can't believe I've never questioned the deal before. It seems so crazy. Like I've been asleep all these years.'

Vilimere said...

"Well now that you are awake why do we take a look?"
Vilimere tries again to amplify his suggestions with his psyche.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, sure. Let's do it. But don't tell anyone that we looked. I don't want to lose the bar. It's too important to the townspeople.
He gets the painting down and sets it on the bar in front of you. Immediately the Trump power intensifies. You can tell it's never been used. The potential energy in it is brimming.
wayd?

Vilimere said...

"There's something different about it now, dont you think? This needs to be studied further. I must take it to my workshop. Maybe I can leave you with something as a promise that I will return with the painting once I know more. What do you think Walter?"

Anonymous said...

'Take it?' He looks really worried. 'No, no, no. You can't take it. What if he comes back and it's not here? He'll take the bar away from me and the townspeople. That can't happen. No, I won't let that happen.'
He tries to take the painting back to put it back on the wall.
What are you doing?

Vilimere said...

Vili laughs.
'You have done well sir, I threw everything I had at you and still you kept your word. I was right to but my trust in you trust'
Vili attempts to reach into the man's memories now surfaced from the discussions regard the painting and overlays the image of the man onto his own face using the man's minds eye.
"You have done well and kept your promise all these years. Your sacrifices will not be for naught I assure you, good sir."

Anonymous said...

Walter's eyes grow wide. 'It's you! Oh my lord. Wow. Yeah, I've kept the painting safe for all these years. And I've got to ask. What's so special about this painting that you gave me this entire inn to protect it?'
It's beginning to get dark outside.
WAYD?

Vilimere said...

"It is my most prized possesion. Many years ago I was employed by a wealthy merchant and after many a year with him I emassed a fortune. Eventually I came and settled here but men from a neighbouring kingdom sought my treasures...risking everything I stoled away with my belongings knowing that it I was ever caught my favorite painting would still be safe. It means the world to me. It has meant so much to me to even see it again you have no idea."
Vili produces a small pouch from his bag and places it on the counter.
"This is all I can give you from now, though I owe you so much more. The bar is, of course yours to do with as you see fit and if by the gods will I am back this way soon you could have many more proprieties such as this I assume you"
He laughs heartily.

Anonymous said...

'Oh thank you so much. Are you going to be taking your painting with you now or do you want me to keep protecting it?'
Farmers start filing in through the door looking weary. They start filling up the tables.
'Folks, gather round. I'd like to introduce you to the man who gave me this inn so many years ago. Everyone, this is V.'
All the farmers cheer and crowd around you trying to shake your hand.
WAYD?

Vili said...

"I will be taking it with me thank you Walter. May the gods protect you and keep you safe."
He addresses the crowd.
"Thank you, thank you"
He mentions his arms for the crowd to sit.
"I would like you to reserve to applause for Walter here. I knew nothing of him but he treated me like kin. If anyone should be cheering for anyone, it is I for him."
He turns to Walter and claps. Once the cheering dies he turns once more to the crowd.
"I must depart, but you all have my thanks."
He produces another pouch from his bag and places it on the counter.
"..and may the thanks flow like wine!"
Vili departs quietly as the men rush the counter firmly grasping the painting in his arms.

Anonymous said...

It's dark outside and the sounds of revelry echo throughout the town. You can hear slow footsteps coming toward you. The silhouette draws a sword and a husky voice shouts, 'Put the painting down and you won't be hurt. I don't know how you managed to get Walter to give you my painting but it's far too dangerous to let you keep it. Put it down!'
WAYD?

Vilimere said...

Vilimere begins to put his hands up in an effort to allow him time to probe the mans mind, the painting still in one hand.
He attempts to find out if the man is from this shadow or before is more then he appears.

Anonymous said...

As you probe you come up against a mental wall. Are you going to try to break it down forcefully, attempt to go around it or stop probing?

Vilimere said...

Vilimere stops probing and further shields his own mind
"Ah the fabled paintings owner. How do you do?
It appears you have your story all wrong!
You see the bartender would not part with his precious painting but it appears that some time ago he had a replica made in case of theft. It is that that I hold with me and for a rather large sum I might add. So if you please sheath your sword"

Anonymous said...

'If you're right then the painting won't feel like a Trump card. So if I come closer will I feel the Trump energy?'
He steps closer and closer.
WAYD?

Vilimere said...

"I wont have you any closer with that sword in you hand, What are you talking about?"
Vili doubles the distance between them.
"Who are you anyway? Why are you threatening me, when all I have do is drink at a bar and purchased a fabulous looking painting?"

Anonymous said...

'Don't even try to act innocent. I know exactly who you are Vilimere, Prince of Amber. And there's only one reason a Prince of Amber would ever be in this shadow, holding that painting. You're after the Patternblade that I tried so hard to hide away from the world. It's too dangerous. I won't let you have it!'
WAYD?

Vilimere said...

"So you know who I am? Very well. Then I hope my reputation proceeds me. If you know who I am then you must know of my intentions. They are neither hate-filled nor spiteful, but purely defensive. You have my word as a Prince of Amber. Surely you must be aware of the chaos that is brewing on our doorstep with my father deceased, may the gods rest his soul."

Anonymous said...

'Yes, you are a very noble and well-intentioned Prince. I know you would never use it's power with chaos in your heart. But what if someone took it from you? Benedict is widely known as the best swordsman in Amber. What if he disarmed you, took the Patternblade then used it's power for his own uses? No. It's safer where it is.'
WAYD?

Vilimere said...

"If that was to be the case that may already have been done, my family is not without its lack of these great weapons, as you may know. If you know of my intentions then you know that I would not let this happen for as long as I could stand it, wether it be my own or my sibling's sword."

Anonymous said...

'It's true, there are other Patternblades out there each with their own individual powers. But this Patternblade is different. With it one can walk the Pattern easily and often and teleport absolutely anywhere in the worlds. And that is a power too powerful for anyone to wield. Now enough talk. If you don't give up the painting in five seconds I'll cut you to ribbons.' The massive man starts bolting toward you, broadsword held high.
WAYD?

Vilimere said...

Knowing the man wants to keep the painting safe Vilimere holds it up as a shield. He uses the opening to run from the man and out of the shadow pushing his endurance to the limit. If he can make it to Amber, he will be safe.

Anonymous said...

You notice the heavyset man is not following you through shadow.
WAYD?

Vilimere said...

I keep running! Making my way back to Amber. On the way I pull out my trump card for Bleys and relay the tale of the man back to him.

Anonymous said...

You attempt to contact Brand but he's not answering. He may be busy. Do you do anything else on the way back to Amber? If not, what do you do when you finally get back?

Anonymous said...

You feel the psychic pressure of a Trump call. It's Eric and his urgency is felt across the psychic connection.
Do you answer?

Vilimere said...

I just make my way as quick as I can to Amber pushing all my energies to the limit.
I'll accept the call from Eric. Perhaps there has been an update on the lawlessness of Amber.

Anonymous said...

'Vilimere, the battle against the forces of Chaos has begun. I am going to need you to keep an eye on Amber while I'm on the front lines. I don't want any Chaosians sneaking through while the army is in shadow. And if you can keep an eye on our siblings that will put my mind at ease too.'

Vilimere said...

"Eric I am honored you asked me. But how weill I alone keep our brothers and sisters at bay let alone the Chaosains? I fear this is a job above me capability, brother"

Anonymous said...

'I really just need eyes in Amber. If you see anything that could be a threat, just let me know. If you have people you trust to do the job, I don't mind if you delegate it to them. Will you help?'

Vilimere said...

"Of course brother. My city need to but call and I shall answer. I shall be there as soon as I can. Are there others in the castle? Who will be joining the front line? And how stong is the attack this time Eric?"

Anonymous said...

'Benedict, Caine, Deirdre and Trinket are joining me on the front line. I'm not sure where the others are. It's a pretty serious attack but I'm confident we can take them as soon as Benedict arrives with reinforcements. I'll update you if anything serious happens.'
With that Eric discontinues the Trump contact.

Vilimere said...

I quicken my pace towards the castle pushing through the pain it brings.

Anonymous said...

You make it to Amber and ascend the steps to the Castle. Where exactly in the Castle are you going?

Vilimere said...

To Fiona's tower!

Anonymous said...

You climb the spiral staircase that seems to go on forever. The door at the top is ajar. A sweet voice says, 'Come in, Vili.'
Fiona sits crosslegged in the middle of the room surrounded by small, circular pools of water. The glow a slight green and in one you can see yourself from behind. She looks up, smiles and says, 'What can I do for you?'

Vilimere said...

"Fi, Eric has told me to keep an eye on the castle. As you may know the Chaosians are back and I thought I thought your ability to keep see many places at once might be of some advantage to us at this time. Would you help us?"

Anonymous said...

'Of course, I'll help. For King and Country. Or rather, for Regent and City.' She smiles.
'I've been watching the battle in shadow. The Chaosians are playing a very risky gamble. The force Eric is fighting is only a distraction. There's another force making it's way to Amber with no resistance. They'll reach us in under eight hours.'

Vilimere said...

"I must report this directly to Eric. Is there anything else you can tell me Fiona?"

Anonymous said...

'Sure, I can take you to this invasion force in mere minutes. Eric won't be able to mobilise in time to catch them. You could lay an ambush for them. And I'll be willing to take your painting to Brand. That's who you got it for, right?' There's a childish enthusiasm in her voice. She smiles wider, 'I've been watching you too.'

Vilimere said...

"Of course you were. I wouldnt expect anything less." Vili smiles. "However I have promised Brand that I shall be the one to return it to him, you understand right?" "But um...Fi? Do you mind keeping an eye on us while we are laying this ambush? I think we can really use the extra help"

Anonymous said...

'Oh I can do more than keep an eye out. I can use my magic to take out whole heaps of Chaos soldiers. Just watch me. Shall we go ambushing now?' She leads you out into the stairwell, shuts the door, walks down two steps and back up and opens the door again. Instead of her tower room, the door now leads to a grassy hill.
'After you, Vili. The soldiers will be along soon.' She says proudly.

Vilimere said...

"Ah..I was hoping I could give this to Brand and perhaps gather some of our brothers and sisters still in the castle, do we have time for that?" He places the painting on the ground of the stairwell in case he needed to step forward onto the hill. If we must go then I should be safe here, at least for the meantime he thinks.

Anonymous said...

'Oh, I may have been a little hasty. If you go on ahead, I'll Trump Julian. Maybe his Hellhounds can give us a hand.' She pulls out a card and concentrates.
You hear the clanging of metal on the other side of the hill.

Vilimere said...

Vilimere draws his sword from its sheath and walks calmly out the door and onto the hill. He reaches out with the power of his mind, he knows not to engage the Chaosains in mental warfare but if he can find out how many are there it may somehow help. Then he reaches into his pack and retrieves trump cards for all the family minus the frontliners, Fiona and Julian. He places them on the ground. Theory states one could call many trumps at a time with a large amount of mental energy. Time is of the essence, maybe it cant be done, but he must try. He sends out a spike of energy, the words 'To arms, Chaosains are close. Follow Fiona' at the forefront of his mind. As soon as the Chaosains are close Vilimere just drop all he is doing and engage the enemy, reinforcements may never arrive, but Amber will not be taken. His strong will rages him into battle, his senses highten.

Anonymous said...

All those you try to Trump will hear your message if they accept the call. There are close to one hundred Chaosians approaching. How do you want to approach the battle?

Vilimere said...

Vilimere hardens his mental energies in an aura around himself as long as it holds he should be able to deflect any brute force attacks. He knows that he wont be able to keep it up indefinitely though, hopefully Fiona and the others will be here soon. He braces himself for the fight ahead, his heart pounding in his chest.

Anonymous said...

The soldiers crest the hill. They're in all black armor and all wield different weapons. They're not in any formation and as soon as they see you they bolt toward you, blunt weapons held high.
'Aaaaarrrrrrggggghhhh!!!'

Vilimere said...

Vili stands his ground. He fights defensively but tries to keep as many fighters focused on him as possible. He hopes his skills and his shield holds until help arrives.

Anonymous said...

Several soldiers fall within minutes which makes the rest more hesitant about fighting you. They start working together and using their superior numbers to their advantage. It's at this point that Fiona pulls twenty hellhounds through Julian's Trump Card. The forces of Chaos scatter as these huge hounds chase them down. There's still 40 intent on killing you.
WAYD?