This page divides into the following sections:
Click on the section headings on this page to return to this list.
It is twenty years after the end of the PatternFall War; Random is King and all seems well in the Multiverse. Characters are young members of the Royal Family of Amber, based on 50 points with Basic Pattern for free. Trump, Shapeshifting, Magic, creatures and items are all available, but vary somewhat from the standard versions. In particular, there is no separate Sorcery and Conjuration; instead, these powers are combined in the 25-points power 'Magic', which includes both Sorcery and the Empowerment part of Conjuration; there is a single-shadow version of this which is known to inhabitants of magical shadows; this costs 15 points. Stuff is limited to 5 points either way; up to twenty points of contributions.
In the Golden Circle shadow of Diega, Duke Kimarta of Thanriven has recently ascended to his position. From his study of ancient records, to which he gained access upon becoming Duke, and his own prejudices, he has come to the conclusion that he is the rightful King of Diega, and that the current Queen, Chansita XVII, is a dupe of Amber. He wishes to put himself on the throne of Diega and cut all ties with Amber, restoring the 'old ways'. His wife, the Duchess Anjana, supports him in this.
Rumours of this plotting have reached the ears of Benedict. He wishes to do something about it. In Benedict fashion he has constructed a mission that will:
As such the player characters, various of the younger generation of Amber, have been called to Diega for a 'training exercise', which also includes manoeuvres involving the Diegan and Amber armies and navies. They are presented to the Queen at a large ball in honour of Amber.
At the ball assassins attack, as Duke Kimarta has decided to act now before the forces of the Queen become too strong. Benedict discourages too much investigation of the attack, saying he 'has it covered', and that anyway it was only 'bandit trouble'.
Instead, the PCs are put to an 'exercise' - storming Castle Thanriven and taking the Duke prisoner. They are to use their initiative regarding violence, but not to kill anyone if it can possibly be avoided. Once captured he is to be passed through to Gerard in the Amber flagship, the HMS 'Unicorn's Gift' (also here as part of the 'showing the flag' exercise. They are told that the Duke is fully aware of the exercises, and has agreed to take part, but this is a lie, and he will not be well-pleased at Amberites attacking his castle...
Diega is a shadow where magic works, and where time runs at the same speed as in Amber. It has silvery clouds, a yellow-green sun in a blue-green sky, a blue-grey moon and intense auroras at night.
The climate of the shadow is vaguely Spanish; the inhabitants are swarthy-skinned, of Hispanic or Indian (subcontinent) appearance. They dress in Indian style - saris, baggy trousers and so on. Their cities are built of white adobe houses with white stone castles, usually with minarets.
Although the shadow is a monarchy, there are powerful Dukes and Barons who have large holdings in the countryside, and who sometimes fight among themselves. There is some anti-Amber sentiment is parts of the nobility, such as Duke Kimarta, though the Queen is friendly to Amber. There are powerful mages in the shadow, particularly amongst the nobility. These include Lord Tenorio (the Chancellor of Diega), Duke Kishor and Lady Minal.
The capital city has a large harbour, and seems pleasant. The Royal Palace is of white stone in a very Indian style, with balconies and a walled garden.
They produce alcoholic beverages of various types, and particularly fine wine.
They worship the Unicorn.
A young, slender Diegan woman, who has not ruled for too long. She in unmarried, and a non-mage. She is attractive, and has long dark hair. She wears ornate sari-like garments.
Hispanic in appearance, tall, and with a noble bearing, Duke Kimarta appears to be in his thirties (shadow Earth style), though he is in fact considerably older. He is a militant Diegan nationalist.
The lands of Thanriven are well away from the Diegan capital city. He rules them from Castle Thanriven, a small castle on a hilltop with five towers around the walls and a keep in the centre.
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
| Total Points = (25 + 0 + 2 + 20) + 15 + 10 + 2 + 28 - 2 = 100 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Indian (subcontinent) in appearance, Duchess Anjana is tall and beautiful with long dark hair bound up in a knot when in combat.
Morglyph is an ancient heirloom sword which is sentient in its own right, and capable of fighting on its own if necessary. It is a grey stone scimitar with golden runes inscribed on the blade. Its pommel is wrapped in bronze leather.
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Total Points = (10 + 10 + 10 + 35) + 10 + 2 + 18 + 0 = 95 | ||||||||||||||||||
A noble of Diega, who specialises in mental magics.
A young noble of Diega.
Daughter of Lord Camborda.
A noble of Diega.
A young noble of Diega.
A noble of Diega, who specialises in mental magics.
A noble of Diega. She is an attractive woman who appears to be in her forties shadow Earth-style, and who specialises in offensive magics.
The Chancellor of Diega. He is a tall, dark man with greying hair, who specialises in mental magics.
Go to a page of images of some of the Playtest Characters from this game.