conversations.from: system
conversations.value: Amidst all the infinite realities of Shadow, the golden city of Amber stands at the center, true pole of the multiverse.  Or so it had been believed, before the Patternfall War.  The Courts of Chaos at the other pole of reality had brought war to Amber itself via their accursed Black Road, but had been soundly defeated.
  
  King Oberon is dead, long live King Random!  Though chosen by the Unicorn of Amber, Random still has to deal with the scheming of his older brothers and sisters, and now, their increasing brood of children.  The Courts of Chaos are restless in their defeat.  And who knows what other threats may exist among the uncounted Shadow-worlds?
  
  Prince Corwin, one of the prime architects of the victory, has gone missing.  His son Merlin has gone questing after him and has also not been heard from in some time.
  
  --
  
  The first Amber series is considered canon;  the second series is not, though I am borrowing some elements from it.  (Notably the Logrus.)  Basically, if it was in the original Amber Diceless RPG, you can consider it fair game.
  
  Characters must be able to fit into the royal Court of Amber.  This does not preclude Chaosian characters - perhaps they were hostages taken as part of the peace agreement ending Patternfall, or part of the entourage of the Courts' ambassador - but I won't accept more than one or two.
  
  Elders are not an option. :)  You can play a child of Oberon, but if so they have to be quite young, along the lines of Dalt or Coral.
  
  Shadow characters are fine, so long as they have some means of traversing Shadow.  I'm open to unique powers for doing so;  in past Amber games I've run, I've had powers based on attuning to Ygg, to the Abyss, and even to Shadow-storms, just for reference.  I'll entertain the idea of Broken Pattern users too.  No spikards, I despise them. (Sorry. :)
  
  I'm including Natures for Amberite Royals.  You can make up your own Natures, but please follow the template of the existing cards - end the name with one of the four stats:  Strength, Warfare, Endurance, and Psyche.  That area is one in which you reign supreme among your generation.
  
  The one tweak I'm making to the Storium mechanics is that if you go up against somebody in an area where they're supreme and you aren't, you can't win a conflict against them unless you can justify having an overwhelming or at least totally unexpected advantage.  (ie, Corwin beating the berserk Benedict by the Black Road.)  Generally this means you can't play Strengths against them, but I encourage creativity.
  
  You can, of course, try to change the type of conflict to something more congenial, but that's risky - you may have to narrate getting wounded if you try to shift a Warfare fight to a Psyche one, for example.
  
  (Elders are usually supreme in a way PC's can't match.  There are some exceptions - a Supreme Warfare character could maybe beat Flora with a sword, for example.)
  
  Don't take the Pattern (or Logrus) as a Strength unless there's something unique you can do with it (and describe it!).  I'm taking Pattern (or Logrus) attunement completely for granted as part of the setting.  Trump Artistry is another matter;  if you don't have a Strength saying you can do it, you can't.
  
  Sorcery, Conjuration, Power Words, and so on can be taken as Wild Strengths so long as it's justified from your character background.  If you want to learn one of those things (or Trump Artistry) in-game, talk to me in the comments.
  
  --
  
  Two people have expressed interest who have not read the books.  For them, I *strongly* suggest taking one of the premade Royal Amberite Natures.  What this means is that while you look completely human, you are vastly stronger, faster, and more untiring than ordinary mortals, and you don't age after reaching adulthood.  (Though please don't make them older than maybe a century or two at most.)  You heal extremely quickly and can (over a period of years) even regenerate limbs - especially if you're supreme in Endurance.
  
  Your character doesn't know why they are different, or didn't until very recently.  Your background can be literally anything you can imagine - we're talking about an infinite multiverse.  (Though if you want to be from our own Earth, that would make perfect sense - Amberites have been hanging out here for centuries.)  We'll discuss in the approval process how your character came to the attention of Amber's Court.
  
  Strength encompasses hand-to-hand combat as well as the more obvious feats of strength.
  
  Warfare includes fighting with weapons, strategy, tactics, and leading military units.
  
  Endurance is how long you can keep going, how fast you heal, and how long you can keep using supernatural powers.  (Even without being supreme in Endurance, you can still last MUCH longer than ordinary humans.  Corwin and Random once made a bet to fence until one of them called it quits - Corwin begged off after four solid days because he had a hot date!)
  
  And Psyche is sheer mental willpower.  It's the raw power behind all the supernatural abilities.  It's also possible to engage in direct psychic combat, though my interpretation is that this is generally quite difficult to initiate without something to help enable it.
  
  If you want some sort of magical powers, be aware they will only work in your home world unless you take a Sorcery Strength.  In that case we would need to discuss what the source of your power is.  Technological stuff does NOT tend to transfer well between worlds at all.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You're angling to make an ally among your peer group.  Who and why?
conversations.prefix: Make an Ally:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You're angling to make an ally among your peer group.  (The PC's or the other Dukes and Duchesses of Amber.)
conversations.prefix: Make an Ally:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You've got some scheme (or several) in mind, and seek to push it along.
conversations.prefix: Further a Plot:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A good enemy can be as useful as a good friend.  Whether real or feigned, you seek to antagonize somebody in your peer group.  Who and why?
conversations.prefix: Make an Enemy:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Rachel's ignorance of Amber and Shadow is certainly dangerous, but also, to some, a shield;  it's just too easy to take advantage of her.
conversations.prefix: Protective Ignorance:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Conchobhar's greatest work to date, which he bore blazing hot from the forge through the Pattern to temper at its center.
conversations.prefix: Weylandir:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Almost all Royals have a pack of Trumps... but Aria, being a Trump Artist, has quite the unusual array of cards to deal out.
conversations.prefix: Pack of Trumps:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A black sword infused with a tiny thread of primal chaos that can cut through any non-magical material like a blowtorch through balsa wood.
conversations.prefix: Tygrann:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You're seeking to stand out from the crowd, catching somebody's eye.  Who and why?
conversations.prefix: Distinguish Yourself:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Morgan constantly wears a set of blackened bracers that are said to be unbreakable.
conversations.prefix: Unbreakable Bracers:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Benedict discovered Al in Shadow and mentored him, introducing him to the Pattern and the ways of Amber.  The two still share a warm relationship as uncle and nephew.
conversations.prefix: Benedict's Favor:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Aodhinn has learned much from a difficult childhood.  Memories of his past can sustain him through suffering but perhaps also hold him back from trusting others.
conversations.prefix: Rough Upbringing:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: “I like libraries. It makes me feel comfortable and secure to have walls of words, beautiful and wise, all around me. I always feel better when I can see that there is something to hold back the shadows.”
  
  --Prince Corwin of Amber
conversations.prefix: Amber:  The Library:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are a scion of Amber, pole of the multiverse.  You can (and almost certainly have) walked the Pattern.  All of Shadow lies before you!
  
  Among those royals of your own age, you are distinguished by your neverending energy.
conversations.prefix: Royal Amberite: Endurance:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are a scion of Amber, pole of the multiverse.  You can (and almost certainly have) walked the Pattern.  All of Shadow lies before you!
  
  Among those royals of your own age, you are distinguished by your strength.
conversations.prefix: Royal Amberite:  Strength:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are a scion of Amber, pole of the multiverse.  You can (and almost certainly have) walked the Pattern.  All of Shadow lies before you!
  
  Among those royals of your own age, you are distinguished by your skill with arms and the arts of war.
conversations.prefix: Royal Amberite: Warfare:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have access to a source of power that lets you 'hang' (ie, prepare) and cast spells anywhere in the multiverse.
conversations.prefix: Sorcery:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: As virtues go, being truthful can be devastating in the seething intrigues of Amber and the Courts of Chaos.
conversations.prefix: Honest:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You know you're of the Blood Royal of Amber.  But by whom? Will you be happy when you find out?
conversations.prefix: Discover Your Parentage:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are a scion of Amber, pole of the multiverse.  You can (and almost certainly have) walked the Pattern.  All of Shadow lies before you!
  
  Among those royals of your own age, you are distinguished by your strength of will.
conversations.prefix: Royal Amberite: Psyche:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Minor bits of reality-warping that can be done with a single word and the proper intent behind it. (Think of the old 1st level D&D spell Command. Stuff like that, except you can use it on inanimate objects too.)
conversations.prefix: Words of Power:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You have mastered the creation of objects out of raw Shadow-stuff.  This should be justified by a power source similar to that for Sorcery.
conversations.prefix: Conjuration:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The cards are our connection. A Trump artist can create them. But, what more, you can use them to spy, scry, trick, trap and more.
conversations.prefix: Trump Artistry:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You catch up with an old friend or ally of yours.  How did it go?
conversations.prefix: Renew Ties:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You're new to this whole 'Amber' thing. It's delightful, stirring... and dangerous. Can you survive while finding your way?
conversations.prefix: Figure It All Out:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The acknowledged son of King Random and Princess Morganthe of Rebma.  Currently going through a bit of a punk-rocker phase.  In theory he's heir to the throne of Amber, but in practice that theory is a pretty piece of paper.
conversations.prefix: Martin:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A dour figure dressed in russet and brown, Phaedrus is known as a deadly swordsman and one who has strange insights into the Pattern.
  
  He has no interest in politics save when it impinges on the 'World-Web', the Shadows he has tied together.
conversations.prefix: Phaedrus:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A somewhat pompous youth dressed in blue and gold.  He is vain and rather spoiled, but an Amberite for all that.  One has the impression that he's never been hurt.
  
  Word has it that he has inherited his father Eric's skill with a blade and is quite strong, even for one of his station.
conversations.prefix: Kevin:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A reclusive green-haired beauty, Chloe dresses in pale green and lavender.
  
  She has rarely been seen outside of Rebma;  little is known of her.
conversations.prefix: Chloe:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The Great Hall of Amber has seen a lot over the millennia.  Stunning in its grandeur, it has been presided over by three kings and been the site of innumerable plots, feasts, and decrees.
conversations.prefix: Amber:  Great Hall:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A rather dull Shadow, distinguished only by the fact that Corwin and Flora spent several centuries there.
conversations.prefix: Shadow Earth:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A minor noble of a cadet branch of the Great House of Hendrake, Ulfric is renowned beyond his rank for his swordsmanship.  His colors are red, grey, and bronze.
  
  He makes his disdain for, well, just about everyone quite clear.
conversations.prefix: Ulfric Hendrake:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: King of Amber, husband of Vialle, father of Martin.  He didn't particularly want the throne but (or is it, 'and therefore'?) has proved a fairly good king thus far.  His colors are orange, red, and brown.
conversations.prefix: Random:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: And by 'interesting', we of course mean 'of use'.  The Royal family of Amber is nothing if not pragmatic... a trait they probably inherited from their Chaosian relatives.
conversations.prefix: Learn Something Interesting:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The Queen of Amber, much beloved for her graciousness, wisdom, and kindness.  She is completely blind.
conversations.prefix: Vialle:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Almost all Royals have a pack of Trumps… but Aria, being a Trump Artist, has quite the unusual array of cards to deal out.
conversations.prefix: Pack of Trumps:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Conchobhar’s greatest work to date, a sword which he bore blazing hot from the forge through the Pattern to temper at its center.   
conversations.prefix: Weylandir:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Aodhinn has learned much from a difficult childhood. Memories of his past can sustain him through suffering but perhaps also hold him back from trusting others.
conversations.prefix: Rough Upbringing:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Rachel’s ignorance of Amber and Shadow is certainly dangerous, but also, to some, a shield; it’s just too easy to take advantage of her.
conversations.prefix: Protective Ignorance:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Benedict discovered Al in Shadow and mentored him, introducing him to the Pattern and the ways of Amber. The two still share a warm relationship as uncle and nephew.
conversations.prefix: Benedict's Favor:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Gossip about the Royals is one of the main games in town.
conversations.prefix: Collect Gossip:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: What's life without living it up a little?  And if it causes some tongues to wag, at least they haven't forgotten you.
conversations.prefix: Become Gossip:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Bare is back without brother behind it... not that there's many brothers or cousins in Amber you'd want to present your back to.
conversations.prefix: Make an Ally:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A good friend is one of life's greatest treasures... but a good enemy is the gift that keeps on giving.
conversations.prefix: Make an Enemy:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Whether verbally or physically, you have it out with an old rival of yours.  How's it go?
conversations.prefix: Fence With a Rival:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Amber's favorite pastime!  Get the ball rolling in devious fashion.
conversations.prefix: Hatch a Plot:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Now that you're in the City, you gently push along one of your favorite schemes.  How's it go?
conversations.prefix: Further a Plot:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It's always delightful to make a relative gnash their teeth as one of their schemes goes sour.
conversations.prefix: Foil a Plot:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You draw the special notice of one of your aunts or uncles - one you hadn't had many dealings with in the past.  Why?  Or do you even know why for certain?
conversations.prefix: Come to an Elder's Attention:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Duke Kevin (or Prince Kevin, if you prefer, which you probably don't) has been murdered!  Can you account for your whereabouts while the deed was done?
conversations.prefix: Establish an Alibi:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have found something of interest that relates to the murder.
conversations.prefix: Turn Up a Clue:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The best defense is a good offense.  Who cares if you look bad if someone else looks worse?
conversations.prefix: Point the Finger:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: There are multiple plots facing Amber, and possibly Chaos as well.  What do you intend to do about it?
conversations.prefix: Come Up With a Plan:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: What use would a plan of action be if it didn't secure anything for you personally?  Whether you want to lead, to draw attention, or to advance other goals of yours, this is your chance.
conversations.prefix: Jockey for Position:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Your mind goes to places that others don't. You think outside of the box and can craft solutions to problems that others might not think of.
conversations.prefix: Creative:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You've never been a wholly-confident person, but now you've been shown just how little you know and you've been left feeling more than naïve.
conversations.prefix: Unsure:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are a scion of Chaos, pole of the multiverse. You can (and almost certainly have) walked the Logrus. All of Shadow lies before you!
  
  Among those royals of your own age, you are distinguished by your strength of will.
conversations.prefix: Royal Chaosite: Psyche:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The cards are our connection. A Trump artist can create them. But, what more, you can use them to spy, scry, trick, trap and more.
conversations.prefix: Trump Artistry:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Your way is the best way. Always.
conversations.prefix: Egotistical:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: The Logrus. The Pattern. Trumps. The Abyss. There are so many sources of power. And you want to control all of them.
conversations.prefix: Master the Powers:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are a scion of Amber, pole of the multiverse.  You can (and almost certainly have) walked the Pattern.  All of Shadow lies before you!
  
  Among those royals of your own age, you are distinguished by your strength.
conversations.prefix: Royal Amberite:  Strength:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are a master of the forge, skilled in the creation of magical arms, mechanisms, and other devices of craft.  This art may not be as immediate as sorcery but, given time for its forging, such enchantments are potent indeed.
conversations.prefix: Smithcraft:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It is said there are two types of chess-player: the Stratetigist and the Romantic.  Given an even contest between the two, the cool logic of the Strategist will always prevail.  Ah, but the Romantic can always savour a loss, as long as it was brought about with all the right drama and flair!
conversations.prefix: Romantic:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Sometimes, the achievement of great skill only reveals new heights to scale.  Long practice and innate talent can bring a practitioner far, but sometimes it takes the acquisition of hidden knowledge, of secret techniques and arcane lore, to break through to the next level.
conversations.prefix: Mastery of the Art:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You are a scion of Amber, pole of the multiverse.  You can (and almost certainly have) walked the Pattern.  All of Shadow lies before you!
  
  Among those royals of your own age, you are distinguished by your skill with arms and the arts of war.
conversations.prefix: Royal Amberite: Warfare:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Once you have decided to pursue a goal, you will do whatever it takes to achieve it -- whether it requires bold action, careful strategy, or fierce aggression.
conversations.prefix: Determined:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Once you have decided upon a goal, you are unwilling to give it up -- even if it becomes clear that your plan of action is ill-considered, dangerous, or likely to have catastrophic consequences.
conversations.prefix: Single-Minded:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Discover new ways to expand the power of the Silver Imperium throughout Shadow.
  
conversations.prefix: Expand the Silver Imperium:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have spent more time outside of Amber than in it.This gives you many advantages, whether it is access to strange and unusual allies or simply being neutral in family politics.
conversations.prefix: Walker of Shadow:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You don't reveal your depths easily. 
conversations.prefix: Enigmatic:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: In every world you have traveled, it has been there in some form. You know not from whence it comes, or why it and its agents stalk you.
conversations.prefix: Defeat the Minotaur:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You are a scion of Amber, pole of the multiverse.  You can (and almost certainly have) walked the Pattern.  All of Shadow lies before you!
  
  Among those royals of your own age, you are distinguished by your skill with arms and the arts of war.
conversations.prefix: Royal Amberite: Warfare:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You have a lot of learning, but none of it very deep.
conversations.prefix: Jack of All Trades:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The multiverse is full of so many wonderful things that not even an immortal can learn them all.  Every time you try to concentrate on something, a new topic shows up.
  
  Oooh! Shiny!
conversations.prefix: Distractible:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Not even Flora herself could find fault in the way you conduct yourself.
conversations.prefix: Courtly Manners:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You know the dangers of attention, but you also know that without risk, where will be no victory--and your heart is truly made of Amber. 
conversations.prefix: Ambitious:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Some call it gut feeling, others see it as good guesses.  You like to think of it as letting your subconscious mind piece together all the clues and give you the results.
conversations.prefix: Intuition:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: We all need entertainment, right?  So what's so wrong with stirring up a little trouble in the name of fun?  Sometimes you've just got to do something a little unwise or life would be just intolerably predictable!
conversations.prefix: If You're Bored, You're Boring:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: It may be an old-fashioned concept, and often at odds with the intrigue that defines Amber, but there's something to be said for walking away from a situation proud of one's own actions.   Also, trust can follow honor, and trust can be hard own in the Eternal City.
conversations.prefix: Chivalry:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You have a talent for logical reasoning and drawing conclusions from evidence.
  
conversations.prefix: Analytical:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: When someone pulls your chain, you're likely to wrap it around his neck...
  
conversations.prefix: Quick-Tempered:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It isn't a good thing in Amber to be too nice, but you just can't seem to be cruel.  This isn't to say you can't kill or browbeat someone, but those are your last resorts.
conversations.prefix: Merciful:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Sequence and order, time and stress.  The pieces are set up to move in their appointed ways.  With accent and emphasis, they perform their due tasks and are gone.
  
  Often the only difference between pawn and player is understanding how to set up the board.
conversations.prefix: The Strategic Mind:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: How long do you think you'll have to spend in the dungeon if you smack the Royal's heads together?
conversations.prefix: Frustrated: