Some useful links to get you in the right mood:
King Random's rule seemed to initiate a golden age in Amber. With Merlin ruling the Courts, it seemed that a new age of prosperity was dawning. But then Chaosite extremists put a bullet in Random's head. When Queen Vialle committed suicide soon afterward, leaving no clear successor among her children, it didn't take a genius to realize that Amber was in for its most chaotic ride yet.
Ever wonder what would have happen if Corwin had had giant robots instead of assault weapons when returning from Avalon? Ever wished that you could have explored the melodrama that would have resulted if Corwin had confessed his feelings to Dierdre? Ever wish swordfights in the Amber DRPG had a bit more flair to them? Ever imagine Dara with big, expressive eyes and green hair? Well, even if you haven't, this still might be the game for you. It's your standard Throne War, but with a twist. All of the action is inspired by the cinematic, melodramatic, and over-the-top reality that is Japanese animation, or Anime. Expect dramatic flair and sheer Cool Factor to figure into the GM's action resolution. Unlike many Amber games, risk-taking will be rewarded. People who are fond of other, related cinematic styles, such as Hong Kong action films, are welcome, though we'll be concentrating on an Anime style. Sure, be ruthless and take the throne, but try to look good while doing it...
For those of you that are curious, Corwin, Gerard and Benedict are making sure that the Elders don't interfere too much. They want Random's "Royal Family" to work out the succession themselves. Of course, take too long and they may get impatient. Also, Random's assassins were never caught. The Elders, especially Bleys and Fiona, have requested that the kids allow them to track the perpetrators down, as the assassins seem to have gone to ground in the Courts.
Julian still rules Arden. Yes, he's upset about Martin blowing through Arden with a bunch of mecha. He's not going to be caught napping a second time, though Benedict has asked him not to interfere for now. In a similar way, Caine controlls the Amber Fleet, though Gerard has asked him to step aside as well. Rumor is Caine and Julian are looking for the Jewel of Judgement, which went missing soon after Vialle's suicide.
Flora is on Shadow Earth and Llewella is in Rebma. Neither is expected to interfere. And Dworkin hasn't been seen in months.
Design Note: This scenario is based on a loose, twisted version of the Merlin Chronicles gone horribly awry. Charactaers from those books may show up, though not in ways you might expect
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me. I'd also like to say hello by my fellow players in Equinox.
Some useful links to get you in the right mood:
This game was run at Ambercon North 2000. If you're interested, please contact me about information regarding a possible sequel game. The original character design parameters for this game follow (they'll be different in the sequel).
Characters are built on 150 points, using the usual ADRPG rules, including Shadow Knight. I am allowing the Fixed Logrus power. No auction, just put your points in your attributes however you choose. You do not have to have Pattern or Logrus in order to learn Trump. Character must be a child of Random, and most should be a child of Random and Vialle. If a child of Random and Vialle, you can pay points to help determine birth order -- the more points you pay, the more likely you are to be the firstborn. The remaining birth order will be determined by whim. Prepare a blurb about what the other players will know about your character. Unlike other Amber games, you won't be chastized for putting all your points into items or Constructs, so long as they have an Anime feel. If you want something not in the rules, ask me about it. The worst that can happen is I'll say no. Extra Good Stuff for the player that brings a theme song I like. No character submissions after September 24, 2000. Pregenerated characters will be available for the lazy.
Every character can have a standard "Dworkin" Trump deck, which contains all the Elders but nothing else. If you want more, either take Trump Artistry and pay for a custom deck (2 Points), or else take Aunt Fiona as an Amber Devotee (6 Points) and explain what neat Trumps she's drawn you. (Trumps drawn by Aunt Fi are subject to GM approval. For that matter, everything is subject to GM approval, but particularly custom Trumps.)
While by no means typical, I have created an example of the sort of write-up I expect for a character. (What character in Amber or in Anime is typical anyway?) Please note that even though this is a Throne War, a detailed personality should make it the Anime epic I hope it'll be. Think "Amber: the OAV." You are encouraged to mail me a picture of your character. If you do, I'll have a nifty character sheet awaiting you at the game, and perhaps even bonus Good Stuff.
I am willing to tolerate virtually any sort of character concept short of the pornographic (no naughty tentacles, please), though I would pefer humorous chracters to have at least one serious aspect to them. Other than that, anything goes, from sci-fi wierdness to magical girls to people who shapeshift when dipped in water... I admit a weakness for steampunk technology, if you want to pander to my tastes.
Kirt "Loki" Dankmyer
Salisbury, MD (USA)
xiombarg@io.com
