Lucas' successful return from his voyage happens at the height of summer. He is hailed as something of a conquering hero. (While no one offers him their virgin daughters, he undoubtedly is able to despoil a number of non-virginal daughters, if he wishes. ;)
[Lucas]
Do bears shit in the woods? Is Corwin a goth? Of course he despoils
daughters.
With help from Martin in the supply department, Vere manages to arrange at least one small ship for everyone who is willing to accompany a voyage of discovery. Volunteers for this task include Jerod, Solange, Ossian, Cambina (somewhat reluctantly), and Martin.
Each of you divides up your allotted tasks among several assistants. Gerard announces that he is able to take up most of the official court duties.
Does Paige take a ship?
Yes, she's a preference for the Princess' Charge, and would need a seasoned crew, no matter what, as her only experience in sailing is day trips on small sloops...
Is Lucas ready for a second trip immediately?
Yes, barring needs to train Folly, and a couple items.
Are Folly and Vere interested in accompanying the voyagers? If so, which one(s)?
If Folly is still needing training, Lucas will offer to take her with him on his ship.
Folly is definitely interested. Her first choice would be to go with Martin, if he's amenable; or if not, with Paige, if she takes a ship. If both those plans fall through, she'll take Lucas up on his offer.
Martin is definitely amenable. (Even if he weren't, there's no way in hell he'd leave her on a boat with Lucas).
Vere would like to go along on at least one trip. He'll ask Ossian if he minds if Vere accompanies him.
Ossian look genuinely happy that Vere asks: "Not at all! Your company is always welcome, cousin.
"Do you have some experience of sailing before? I haven't."
[Vere]
"I do. Mother's people are great seafarers, and I have spent nearly as
much time upon the sea as upon the land. I have never sailed across
Shadow, however, and will look to your expertise for that."
Ossian laughs. "Trust me. Hopefully I can manage. Is there anything I should remember before going on a sea trip? I don't have a clue."
"The most important thing to remember is that the captain is the absolute monarch of his ship. We can expect to be given all the deference and respect due our rank and bloodline, but the captain's word is law. If we determine that the captain must be over-ruled for some reason then it will almost certainly be necessary for me to assume command of the ship for the rest of the voyage - and this obviously will only be done in direst emergency. We are in charge of the expedition, but the captain is in charge of the ship. If the captain gives a command, obey it, and request an explanation later." Vere pauses. "Other than that, most things are simple common sense. Do not impede sailors in the performance of their duties; do not tamper with ship's equipment; if you have any doubt about something ask, don't guess."
"Hm. Your advice seems sound. I guess I will not have many opportunities making too many mistakes, as I'll be busy shifting the shadows, or rest therefrom."
Do you have any specific plans about what kinds of cargoes you're all looking for, to avoid redundancies? Are any of you looking for Golden Circle shadows from the old days?
[Lucas]
No, and no. I figure the bulk of the trade is going to be to generate
revenue for food to bring back to Amber. Everything he trades will be
among the shadows he's established contact with. Food is rarely
redundant.
Paige will leave such decisions to the more analytical minded and go looking for what ever they suggest, her initial course will be set toward Heerat, or where Heerat should've been...
By the time people get back from their initial voyages, it will be into the fall again, and at or past the first anniversary of the Sundering. Does anyone have any plans to commemorate the event?
[Lucas]
I'll seduce a prominent virgin and nail her.
[Paige]
Paige plans to get roaringly drunk, privately... Publicly? Well, she's
heard that Michelle Thibault is planning a members/invitation-only
party at the Retreat and can probably get invitations for anyone
interested. Can probably get Michelle to schedule later in the day so
as to not overlap any public ceremonies.
[Jerod]
To the Morale Committee of the Council - any ideas? Certainly a
one year anniversary memorial for those that died...plus those that
survived. And if there are any people who might be deserving of
medals, awards or other such things for their selfless service, etc,
this would be a good time to have those handed out in a big party.
"What is the status of construction on the memorial park Ossian designed?" Folly asks. "Perhaps the anniversary would be a good date for the official opening, if construction is done. Perhaps... since it's a wooded setting, the families of the deceased could plant memorial trees near the entrance. And then there could be ceremonies and awards for whatever, and music -- always music -- and maybe a good inspirational speaker or two...." She looks around to see if anyone else has ideas to add.
The Golden Circle ambassadors are getting cranky again. What do you all do about them?
[Lucas]
Let someone who cares deal with it. I didn't deal with the ambassadors
before, I'm not going to deal with them now.
If no one has an objection, Jerod's willing to do the looking for the Golden Circle...he's had a lot of contact with them from prior to the Sundering...and since he's got a fair idea as to the relative importance of the various Ambassadors that are in Amber, he'll know which ones should be contacted first in order to mollify said Ambassadors (as well as which ones might have valuable cargos).
[GMs]
Duly noted. How do you reconcile this with the Prime Directive (Get Food)?
[Jerod]
Based on the import of food products from the Golden Circle prior to
the Sundering, those from the Golden Circle that are most likely to
be able to supply food stuffs would be checked first. As well, if any
of them had food products that were of considerable value
(nutritionally as opposed to material value), that would be used to
adjust the search accordingly.
[Jerod]
This assumes, of course, that there are any GC shadows left to
find...:)
[GMs]
Lucas didn't find any, but that may just have been his bad luck.
[Jerod]
Could be...:)...but he'd have been so fashionable correctly if he had
found them...
Any of the Ambassadors that are really really getting cranky can always volunteer to come with Jerod on a very dangerous mission of sea exploration to find their Shadow...:)...that might thin the ranks of the cranky Ambassadors a bit.
[GMs]
The charge d'affaires from Bellum will send a representative. Some of the
others want to send flunkies with sealed diplomatic pouches.
[Jerod]
And why was Jerod not wondering if Bellum would do such a
thing?...:) Must be that warrior "in your face-dare the odds"
attitude...:)
Jerod will check the number of people that are being "requested" to come along on this endeavour - if there are too many, he'll figure out a way to cut them down a bit...maybe by seeing if the people involved are purely "cosmetic" in their function - meaning they cannot assist during the voyage (he ain't taking along anyone who needs to be pampered - they'll be shark bait after the second day).
[Vere]
I don't suppose we could give them a leaky ship with a conscripted convict
crew and wish them good luck in finding their way back home?
Just a thought.....
[The Court Scene]
This brings up something that Jerod's player is curious
about...:)...who amongst those that do attend get a lot of attention.
I've got my own theories on this, and I'm wondering if they're correct -
I'd figure, given the nature of Court and the fascination with things
new and different, that the newbies to Amber would get a lot more
attention than those who are familiar...:)
Socially, yes, but Court is about socializing about like the company Christmas party is about socializing.
There's a large question of who can help people. Folks with obvious influence like Paige (legal) and Vere (harbor) attract more attention along those lines than someone like Ossian (utility infielder) or Solange (Arden) -- the rewards of cultivating them are less immediately obvious.
The court is still predominantly male even in the absence of the army. Amber was by no means stripped bare, although almost all of her military might -- which is relatively puny given her size -- went with Benedict. The ladies don't stand out like a sore thumb (except for the ones with purple hair!) but are unusual enough to attract attention.
Another issue is the upheaval of the existing political factions in the wake of the deaths of Caine and Eric, who had been two of the major political players, and the resurgence of Corwin. It's a good opportunity for anyone with ambitions to make new friends.
Eric's partisans are happy to support Jerod and Cambina, especially given that Jerod is obviously a major player in the new regime. Caine's support was primarily based in the navy (which is mostly gone with Benedict). What is left of the old Redheaded League, as it were, is happy to make friends with Paige. Even Random, who was in more or less disgrace through Eric's reign, appears to have had some supporters who attach themselves to Martin. Gerard's base attaches itself to Solange and Vere, and some of Julian's supporters from Arden also start to come to terms with Solange. Lucas has his mother's allies, but whether they're more dependable than his mother is open to question (but they're all so fashionable).
Ossian and Folly, of course, have no such innate group of allies, although they are approached more or less openly by partisans of absent and deceased allies. Folly attracts negative attention after people realize what she's up to down at the dockside.
I'd like a precis of people's court activities, alliance-seeking, etc. through the first year.
Solange does not seek or encourage particular allies, and although she relies to a certain extent upon her Aunt Felicity's advice concerning matters touching the nobility, she allows this advice to be tempered by the observations of her other cousins.
She would make a point of encouraging merchants made bankrupt by the reconstruction efforts to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the homesteading plan. Fresh start and all that.
Other than that, she is not pursuing particular ambitions.
Vere will spend the first several months focused on getting the fishing fleet and the navy back on their feet, and any alliances he develops will be among the naval officials and the more influential fisherman. As thing start to come together he'll be spending a greater amount of his time in the Library, and begin cementing a working relationship with Nestor, whom he's coming to admire a great deal.
Vere will endeavour to develop a good working relationship with the major merchant houses, but will make it clear that he's not going to play favourites, and that for the foreseeable future they simply aren't going to be able to operate in the same way that they did before the Sundering. He'll hold out the hope that the Royal Family expects things will return to a more stable situation eventually, and that at that point those merchant houses who have been of the most assistance to us will be looked on favourably.
Vere will not make any efforts to cultivate relationships with the nobility of Amber, but he also won't go out of his way to avoid them. Any overtures of friendship will be reciprocated, and he's not at all adverse to spending a very small amount of time on recreational activities with members of the nobility that have a corresponding benefit to the good of Amber (such as hunting, fishing, or doing a bit of archery), but he will be carefully analyzing the hidden motivations of everyone who approaches him with offers of friendship.
Folly isn't actively seeking political allies -- nor is she actively discouraging them -- but she finds herself naturally drawn to Random's supporters. (After all, those who would support someone who "kind of has a reputation as a fuck-up" probably won't find Folly too off-putting. :) ) She continues her dockside work, her focus -- as per suggestions from her cousins -- primarily on workable solutions to immediate problems rather than on a radical long-term shake-up of the system. She maintains several dockside contacts; in addition to helping her organize the rebuilding efforts, they keep her informed about the concerns of the people -- for which Folly always shows a genuine interest. She spreads the word about the homesteading program.
Paige is more than happy to court the members of the former "Redhead League", although she's quick to try and defuse any antipathy toward Eric's circles now circling Jerod. She will be more than happy to work with any of those who've fallen on harder times, with personal funds if needs be. Those who've come into their fortunes with this recent shake-ups will be offered trial memberships to the Prince by Michelle on Paige's suggestion, if they fulfil the other membership requirements.
She keeps tabs on Liam, making sure to have dinner with him every Sunday, if not more often. Other than that, Paige is happy to content herself with talking painting with Ossian, law with Vere, and politics with Jerod. She's also interested in talking cards with Cambina, if she's willing. Solange? She's kept abreast of everything at the Girls' Night Poker Games
Paige will find that talking politics with Jerod happens during "work" hours...at any other time, he is quite uninterested in the topic and will tend to avoid "shop talk"...
Vere will be happy to talk law with Paige. At length. In excruciating detail. He's especially fond of going off on tangents regarding why a particular law was originally passed, what laws it is in conflict with, the various ways it has been interpreted since it was originally passed, other laws that have since been passed that build upon it or else diminish its impact, and the ways similar laws have operated throughout Shadow.
Ossian will happily socialise with most people that approach him. He will nurture the relations to people who seems to have known Brand, mostly out of curiosity.
A lot of people were acquainted with Brand but no one seems to have been close to him. This includes people whom Brand has mentioned to Ossian.
Ossian suspects that this forgetfulness is a function of the fact that Brand is seriously out of favor. :O
Ossian will immerse himself in his own artistry, trying to establish himself as an authority on matters of aesthetics. He will try to get involved with eventual groups of younger painters, poets and other of the younger intellectual elite in the city.
Ossian establishes himself as an authority, although he has rivals from other schools who dislike his work.
The great musical divide in the city is Barenthkov vs. Rein. Barenthkov is a commoner and a musical innovator. He is in the city now, retaining the title of Court Minstrel that he held under Eric with the support of Jerod. Lord Rein, a traditionalist, is absent with Benedict; if Corwin becomes King he will certainly unseat Barenthkov as Court Minstrel. In Rein's absence, a number of his students hold the fort for his musical style.
How does Ossian deal with this burning musical question? (Note: more information about Barenthkov can be found on the web site.)
"It's not like we need one type of musician in this town. Their styles just fit at different times. Art is not about conformity.
Barenthkov agrees with this statement, at least. He's such an arrogant son of a biscuit-eater that Ossian wouldn't be surprised if he turned out to be royal.
If Barenthkov is that arrgogant, Ossian will start mocking him slightly whenever they meet.
Barenthkov responds in kind. After a while, Ossian realizes Barenthkov likes him, if nothing else for the way in which he ignores the madding crowd (much as Barenthkov himself does).
Ossian will try to involve Barenthkov in the musical part of the memorial.
"Although I prefer Barenthkov to any of Rein's students I also prefer him to his own students. It will be interesting to hear Rein.
"And Folly is, in my view, mind you, a better musician than any of them."
The last statement, although much agreed with in the castle (it being perhaps the first time Martin and Ossian have agreed on much of anything), causes huge controversy in the city. Afterwards, Folly finds that some musicians are more anxious to jam with her, while others give her the cold shoulder.
He'll gladly discuss music with both counterparts, Ossian's main argument being that both styles (and more) are needed.
This is not a win-friends-and-influence-people argument, but it attracts a following of its own.
Speaking of nonconformists, does Ossian seek out Zephyr (also mentioned on the web site)? What is his opinion of Zephyr?
When Ossian hear about him, or sees one of his paintings he will surely seek Zephyr out. He comes back a bit depressed:
"Such a waste of talent. I mean, either he's playing mad, which is quite stupid. Or the madness is what makes him so good? Then he is so absorbed by the art...we should pity him, or envy him."
Regardless of this Ossian will visit Zephyr now and then, to have his opinion and check Zephyr's state of health.
Zephyr is glad to see him and asks Ossian's opinion on his latest works whenever Ossian visits. He doesn't leave his studio much, but will comment on whatever works Ossian brings to him.
Now and then Ossian will bestow one of his paintings upon one of the more influential families in the city, (often in the form of a portrait of a member of that family). The ultimate goal of this (except from raising the level of beauty in the world) is to make a painting made by Ossian a symbol of status. However, Ossian will always consult with Vere, Paige or Solange before giving away (or selling) a painting, to not disturb the relations between the royal family and one or another fraction.
He will also give some lessons in painting to noble daughters and sons (preferably daughters..)
His schedule fills up rapidly. Alan leClaire's younger sister is among Ossian's students.
How old is she, and what is her name?
Bethany leClaire is old enough to be out of the schoolroom and young enough not to be a wife. She is being groomed for a position on the marriage market in the next season or two.
It will be noted by Ossian after a little while that Jerod takes an interest in Ossian's tutoring of leClaire's sister...more of a watchful nature that anything else.
Also, he will do some sculpture for Vialle, if she seems to enjoy Ossians sculptures. High waters will note that Ossian sure wants Vialle as a friend, but also wants to give her the opportunity of experiencing good art.
Vialle is highly appreciative of his efforts. She enjoys both representative and abstract sculptures, and likes to touch things, so a variety of materials is appreciated.
When he realise this he will use more varying materials than just stone; cloth, wood, clay, metal, glass...for different parts of the sculptures.
Vialle enjoys them and is extremely grateful. Ossian's sculptures are prominently displayed in her chambers.
Those of you who haven't told the GMs privately about your love lives, it's time for you to spill. Anything that is public knowledge in the family should be spilled to the list. Please also mention whether it's public-public (e.g., likely to be known by people besides family and close friends outside the family).
As far as I can tell, Solange hasn't been getting any this whole time. She would have made an effort NOT to fraternize with any of the rangers, on the grounds that it would have impaired her ability to work with them (not to say she wouldn't have been tempted).
Similarly, after the ball, she would not have wanted to especially encourage young men with ideas of marriage -- she's too busy, and marriage is too political. And it would have to be a bold gentleman indeed who approached the Regent's daughter with a proposition that didn't include marriage. Were any young men so bold?
None were so bold on the initial meeting, although several seem interested in closer acquaintance, either politically or personally. What happens there will depend on how much Solange encourages them.
As mentioned in a separate message, Solange is not averse to allowing interested young men to tag along when she goes somewhere with a group. However, her time for socializing is limited. Upper-class and merchant-class Amber society did not yet encompass the notion of one-on-one, unchaperoned "dating" as proper for unmarried ladies before the Sundering (working-class customs were probably another story), and even if Solange wanted to introduce the custom, and squelch the scandalized matrons by relying on her father's approval either tacit or declared, she just doesn't have time.
Solange and Lucas have mostly been out of each other's way, so she hasn't had to discourage HIS lecherousness, most likely. I doubt that Jerod would have made any overtures (Jerod, please tell me if I've misjudged you). I can't imagine Vere would have hit on his sister (after all, this is not SWtE). Ossian and Martin I don't know about, but haven't heard anything from them yet, so I assume they're behaving decorously towards Solange.
Martin's public behavior towards Solange is certainly decorous.
Ossian is very courteous towards Solange. There is some very discreet flirtation, but nothing more that that if Solange does not encourage it.
Solange accepts the flirtation gracefully, and flirts back some, but in the spirit that this is all a very charming and flattering joke that Ossian is making, and she's happy to play along. She doesn't let it get serious.
I think that covers it...
With regards to "public-public" information, Jerod remains an eligible bachelor who when seen amongst those of Court will never be without company at official functions...after he arrives - though he rarely arrives accompanying anyone (though he might depart accompanying one of the ladies).
As for "public-family" information, its pretty clear that Jerod has no sexual interest in any of his cousins (female or otherwise...:). He certainly will enjoy company when it is offered and he's certainly not averse to long-lasting friendships.
So in regards to Solange's questions - no, she did not misjudge Jerod...:) He would probably never refuse an invitation out (and she did say yes to that offer of a dance)...he just doesn't appear to be interested in taking it any further.
That's fine with Solange. Since her brother Vere dislikes formal social occasions, she will be pleased to have Jerod as an alternative, properly decorous escort to whatever society functions present themselves, as she greatly enjoys dancing.
As his father Eric was fond of saying from time to time..."Cool!"...:)
There are some rumors that Jerod might occasionally head down into the city for some "quiet time"...it does not appear that he has any one particular partner nor does he make a big deal of it (such as implied with Caine wenching his way through the city).
Vere is far too busy to have time for sex or romance. There is too much work to be done, and when he does have spare time there are opportunities to play music with his relatives, and (most importantly of all) there is the Library of which all other libraries are but shadows to explore. And no one is telling him not to read anything! Amber is Paradise.
And besides, he's discovered the works of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer. He has all the romance he needs....
Folly is not publicly known to be involved with anyone. At official functions, she usually arrives and departs alone, although if she makes friends with the musicians she will usually try to coax them -- along with any of her cousins who are interested -- out to a pub afterwards.
It does not take much coaxing to get Solange to accompany Folly and assorted musicians to pubs. If any young gentlemen who desire closer acquaintance with her decide that they want to tag along, she does not discourage them, but once at the pub, they are likely to be disappointed, because Solange will spend more time paying attention to the musicians than the young gentleman or gentlemen.
Like Solange, Folly loves to dance and will gladly do so with anyone who shows any interest. (She especially enjoys dancing with Ossian, because he tends to be so improvisational: she challenges herself to keep up with him, and then challenges him to keep up with her....)
She will get plenty of opportunity, as Ossian likes dancing with her too.
Privately, she's friendly and -- especially when she's in a good mood -- slightly flirtatious with all her cousins (moreso if they actually flirt back). She is obviously quite fond of both Paige and Martin, and will spend time with them whenever their schedules permit. It is not clear to outside observers whether those relationships extend beyond friendship.
Ossian will definitely flirt back. High waters present will note that Ossian is not sure what he wants to achieve by this.
In the short term, the result is that Ossian becomes Folly's "art buddy": she'll frequently go to him when she wants a companion with whom to watch a sunset, or tap on the wood panels in the dining hall to see what they sound like, or swipe a few wine glasses from the kitchen to try to make a xylophone. (Her responsibilities keep her pretty busy, but these are the kinds of activities with which she fills her leisure time -- when she's not playing music or pub-hopping, that is.) Folly also asks Ossian about Trumps -- she's only experienced them once, and she wants to understand them....
Ossian heartily enjoys all the activities above.
"Ah, the Trumps. I wish they would work, then I really could show you.
"But I'll try to explain. The essence of the trumps is to catch the essence of the person or place you paint. If you get precise enough, you have made a subcreation that is so close to the object that the two link together."
"Oh!" says Folly, as though this makes complete sense to her. "So it's like singing, only visual."
"That is an interesting idea, Folly. I wonder if you could make musical trumps? Why should it need to be visual?
"Then, of course music has a lack of _permanence_, so it might not be very practical. But really we should try."
"Not practical? You'd never again have to say, 'Now, where'd I put my damn Trumps?' But maybe that's not the problem for you that it would be for me...." :)
Ossian laughs softly: "Maybe not. Actually I was more referring to the speed of the cards. If I have a finished card I can use it much, much faster than if I have to paint it first."
"But then, I have no idea how fast a musical trump would work."
"Then of course to use the trumps you have to add some...hm... energy, to enhance the contact enough. Like a door. The trump is the door, but you have to push it open."
"I can't wait for them to start working again, so you can show me...."
"Indeed. You know, I'm so accustomed to be able to draw them, and now... it is like a void somewhere in there." He points at his head.
Paige has seen often out on the town with several sons of prominent merchant or noble families. She always seems to be enjoying herself and ignores much rumor or innuendo about her activities. As to a regular beau, no, it doesn't appear to the public that she's cultivated one.
Private-public, she's known to spend a good number of evenings at the Prince's Retreat in discussion with Alain leClaire, but their relationship appears respectable enough as she's also friends with his wife, Lise and has even entertained with them both.
In the family's eye, she's very close to Martin, the only cousin she knew of for several years, well actually that knew of her. She spends a good bit of time with Folly, enjoying the singer's company and sense of humor as much as she does her singing. Any other speculation on Paige's love life, can be addressed to Paige directly...
Martin is not keen on formal occasions, and en famille is occasionally heard to mutter things about whether particular young ladies and their parents want to inspect his teeth, too. However, he endures necessary court social functions politely and escorts his cousins when required or asked nicely. Most often he accompanies Paige, but he also squires Folly sometimes, and if Solange needs an escort and her brother and Jerod aren't available, he'll accompany her.
Those who are tuned in to the correct circles hear gossip sometime after midwinter that Martin has a regular woman in one of the better clubs/houses -- not an exclusive mistress, but a courtesan who has a very limited clientele. This is normal for noblemen of Amber.
Cambina doesn't date as far as anyone can tell. She keeps herself very busy and ducks out of parties and formal occasions whenever possible. She won't let Martin accompany her, either. At Felicity's party she manages to drive off an overinterested suitor by telling him the date and manner of his death, and thereafter is mostly left alone, which pleases her immensely.
Vialle attends social occasions and stays with the married ladies; she is a model of social probity. She permits Lucas to escort her in her husband's absence, but despite the fact that he's developing a notorious reputation as a libertine, she seems to regard him with an almost maternal kindness. In Lucas' absence, she will be looking for a new escort -- perhaps Jerod or Ossian.
Being a friend of Vialle for awhile now, Jerod is quite willing to act as an escort for Vialle on those social occasions when Lucas is unavailable (what? - Lucas not at a party? Impossible!)...which is likely to be only a few events from time to time.
[Gerard's participation in social events is TBD, but he doesn't have a girlfriend and you're all pretty sure he's not getting any.]
Ossian will have some love affairs more or less publicly known. He apparently sees it as a privilege for artists to have those. Probably nothing too serious though. After a while there will be one or two love poems circulating, presumably written by Ossian for this or that lady.
It is Lucas who has the most serious, or I should perhaps say scandalous, affair. Rumor has it that he was caught with a married woman of the landed gentry in Garnath. Lucas barely escaped the outraged husband with his life; the wife was merely beaten to a pulp.
The odd thing about the rumor is that when variations on the rumor come to Solange's attention, they all name the wife as the daughter of a man (who has a different identity for each variation) who has no daughters, or none out of the nursery.
Details...details...gotta take care of stuff before heading off to explore and find the Golden Circle (well, hopefully find it).
Which leads Jerod to go looking for Folly...he's wondering, assuming their respective voyages do not coincide, whether she'd be interested in watching over Kina for awhile. The handlers would do all the basic work, but someone else would be nice...
Interested? She'd be absolutely delighted. :)
Good...he was hoping she would be...:)...he'll arrange prior to any journey that he takes where she will be staying at Amber to have Kina become acclimated to Folly...so there will be no trouble.
Last modified: 30 Dec 2001