ABOUT: One of the older students in his Padawan class, he is young to be Knighted. He wears an odd silver bracelet, some say it is rumored to be an artifact, that connects him with the Tir. Others say it is an artifact that connects him with the moon. And still others distrustful of Aidan, say it is an odd affectation for a Jedi.

Cocky and self-confident, he has an uncanny knack of leaping into dangerous situations with the best of intentions, and escaping usually to the betterment of those involved. One of his latest exploits, involved facing down the shape-shifter leader of a rebellion against Amber. She was disguised as the Princess Flora. He killed the imposter, but at deadly risk to his own life.

He is on a quest to not only help others and protect those who need protection, but also to understand what it means to be a Jedi and what it means to be Aidan.

He considers Helena Shevala, Kalen Varr, and Cara Slyvain to be some of his closest friends outside the Jedi.

CONFIDENTIAL
PERSONNEL FILES - SUMMARY

Aidan D'Eian
Current Age: 19 years old
Birthworld: Eia (major exports Slink)

Parentage:

Mother: Unknown
Father: Unknown

Initial Report: Year of the Republic 398

Master's Teegan and Niamh, at the request of the Starlines Shipping Corp. and the Eian government were sent to oversee renegotiations of labor contracts for both factory workers and cargo handlers. Tensions among the striking workers were quite high. Several riots of large proportion (200 participants+) had been reported resulting in 6 deaths, 92 hospitilizations and several hundred thousand credits worth of damage to local businesses.

During nightly meditations, Master Niamh reported sensing echo patterns in the force. Master Teegan did not sense the disturbance. Master Niamh requested permission to remain behind on Eian for an extra week to try to localize the focal point for these disturbances.

Permission was granted (see report 2X54J for further reference).

Upon further investigation, and use of the 9th level 2 day trance Master Niamh localized the focal point in the city of Bay Harbor. Bay Harbor was once a major city on Eian. Located at the delta of two major rivers, it served as the major shipping route for exports of silk.

With the advent of the new space port and technology just 500 kilometers away at Silk Harbor, Bay Harbor has fallen into disrepair (cross reference 5deltazeta for economic descriptions).

Bay Harbor, still has thriving commerce uptown, however the expanded suburbs and downtown have largely been abandoned. Rival gangs of youth and teens wage a constant battle over territorial demarcations.

Gang members are often under the age of 20. Many members die in gang wars. City officals have authorized aggressive reining of older gang members. These teens usually end up involved in other criminal establishments or arrested and sent to work camps.

This part of the city also has a diversified criminal establishment with holding in black market silk trading, prostitution, drugs and illegal cyborg modifications.

Further investigation (see report 2X54K) led Master Niamh to the Water Rats gang and specifically one youth nicknamed "Old Man". Mater Niamh's initial description of the "Old Man".

"I have been working with the gang members to gain further trust and comfort with the group. Trust levels are still very low. Most of the children have only heard of Jedi Knights as myths or quasi-religious figures, if at all. Senior gang members live in a run down large house on 75th and Pike Street. A jury-rigged generator supplies electricity for the running of the house. Armed guards and lookouts (all children) are scattered throughout the house and neighborhood. I have been following Aidan for three days now. It is clear that he is focal point for the disturbances I have felt. He is not-surprisingly one of the oldest members of the gang. He is somewhere between 16 - 19 years of age, 5' 9", shoulder length golden blond hair. No distinguishing scars or tattos but he wears a silver metal arm band with raised triangles and a matching earring.

Interviews with other house members indicate that he serves as a lieutenant in the house for over a year. This affords him lodgings within the house. He has been involved with small armed robbery, acting as a courier for local drug lords, and some prostitution.

It is probably a testimony to an unconcious use of the Force, that he has escaped major harm or the authorities for so long. He is generally respected by the other gang members and seems to be able to hold his own. The house is currently reeling from the death's of six members-the result of a drug deal gone bad."

DESCRIPTION: Aidan D'Eain, stands in the window of what presumes is a space faring ship of some sort. Metal beams frame the window and an amazingly star filled sky fills the window. Off in the distance is a plant, mainly deep blue from what one can see. He is a tall wiry young man, a charming smile on his clean shaven face. He looks to be contemplating some sort of mischief as you look at him. His dark green eyes, appear to be looking directly into yours, challengingly. He wears the uniform of a Jedi cadet. His simple white cotton shirt is clean as are the dark gray uniform slacks, and boots he wears. His left ear is pierced with a small silver triangle. The earring matches a band of silver he wears around his right wrist.

Rumors suggest that Aidan has turned from away from the force and is being tempted by the dark side, that he has been lured away from the Order while bodyguarding Cara Sylvain, the most beautiful and talented singer in the Multiverse. Aidan is reportedly also the boy toy of Princess Florimel, who employs him on secret dubious errands. It is said that Aidan drove his Master, Master Tyr, away from him. Aidan knows many powerful people and parties with them. Of late, he's been noted as a very bright Padawan Jedi, who has been trusted with a serious mission that will change the course of destiny. His reserved nature is said to be quite charming.

Unfortunately, he is now on the run from authorities who believe him part of a conspiracy against the Republic. His accomplices are Helena Shevala, Cara Sylvain, and King Rinaldo of Kashfa who is under Republic scrutiny for charges against Amber and the Republic. However, the utmost care is being taken to avoid serious repercussions. King Rinaldo has repeated his statement that Aidan and his companions are innocent of all save bad timing.

HIGHLIGHTS: Life has been a whirlwind for young Jedi Padawan Aidan D'Eian since the night of the republic birthday party. After saving the life of Princess Florimel, Aidan went to Bleys' own personal world and playground to investigate reports of rogue Jedi.

After a gathering hosted by the Prince himself, with entertainment provided by the ravenous Cara Sylvain, Aidan was talking to journalist Helena Shevala and the Grand Master Dworkin, when Dworkin was overtaken by a mysterious illness and passed out. King Rinaldo, Aidan and Helena tried to gain admission to the Master, but were denied violently by Bleys' forces and imprisoned in desert cages.

The three, unhappy with their fate, and worried about Dworkin sat and stewed in the desert sun till Aidan and Helena were kidnapped by an armored and armed figure who took them off to parts unknown. A long journey later has brought the two of them to a strange world, as gifts for an even stranger hierarchy.

ABOUT: He is a pod-racer who most recently earned fame in the Marauder Grand Prix on Shadow Avernus, piloting the underdog pod, Scarlet Slipper. Race fans have an eye on this hot young racer. Baird's recent victory did not go unnoticed as three of the five people who bet on Scarlet Slipper have been found murdered.

The Grand Magus 7 pod race was unfortunately postponed due to the Rogue Jedi who invated the Vermillion Palace resort. Since that time no official races have resumed, but hopefuls are working to change that for next year. Baird took second overall in the Phoenix Flame Triathalon, with first place going to Faulkner in Shadow Kashfa hours before the Rebmian Crisis and the assassination attempt on Prince Eric. Baird was last seen chasing after the alleged shuttle craft which held the assassin.

ABOUT: Benedict is a tall, slender man who moves with grace and confidence. Since the Wiermonken Conflict, Benedict has doubled his efforts to keep future invasions to a minimum. He has also successfully negotiated for a Jedi Temple in Rebma. Many fear Benedict's legendary skill in combat, and for good reason as he has a 98% chance of defeating or killing any opponent in battle (based on reported battles throughout the centuries). For the most part Benedict is a quiet, simple, and reserved man trained and willing to fight for the right cause.

He was one of the few Jedi Masters living in Amber. Most of his days were spent discussing issues in council or training young Jedi to better serve the New Republic. Benedict parted as Amber's General some time ago and has since kept on good terms with Random and the others. His removal as Jedi Council Head is yet one more blight upon the Order's record within the Republic.

With the tension of the Rogue Jedi and the accusations from New World Order Senators, Master Benedict found little peace in Amber and has taken to night flights around Amber, alone his capitol ship, Lintra.

ABOUT: Bennet Fortune was once a soldier, decorated, bloodied, and utterly ruthless. The lowlife's remember him, because this self-made military man was once one of them... a thug, a street rat. That all changed when he joined the military, and climbed the ladder with the tenacity of a Rancor hunting its prey. When he was a thief, he was called Benny the Hand, as a soldier, he was often referred to as Blaster Benny, for his tendency to shoot first and ask questions later. When there was a bunker to invade, an enemy vessel to sabotage, a prisoner to rescue, Bennet Fortune was the commando to call. Then, quite suddenly, he retired, taking hard earned legitimacy, as well as his fearsome reputation, into the open market.

Captain Bennet Fortune embarked on the mercenary life, and found he could make credits hand over fist working for the right folk. Eventually, after several wise investments, Bennet gave up the life of a Mercenary, purchased a vessel aptly named 'Fortune's Folly', and renewed his life as a commodities broker. He became an expert on import and export. His public investments show a man wise in the ways of finance, the marketplace, and politics... for only a man with in-depth knowledge of any given planet's government can predict so accurately the winds of change in investment brokerage.

It is his vast wealth and knowledge for the Galactic Marketplace that have allowed him to ascend like a rocket through the strata of society. His name is well known even in the Senate, and rumors abound about his possible appointment to an Advisory position, likely due to his friendly relationship with one Senator Marcus Grakt. Bennet is known as something of a information broker or investment advisor for those that can afford his services, hence his likely appointment to a Senate advisory role. It is said that if the data has not come across Captain Fortune's datapad, then the data is not worth knowing. Some believe that Bennet's datapad holds access codes to datafiles surrounding DuBuis' involvement with the Republic Birthday Party Fiasco since Bennet's been spotted dining with Lady Naomi Atarashi, an Amber Socialite who is said to have dated DuBuis.

ABOUT: Bleys is a slim athletic man who enjoys drinking, sailing, fencing, strategizing, and showing off to his friends and family. Most notably so through the development of the once lush resort in Avernus called the Vermillion Palace, which after a battle between Rogue and loyal Jedi, left the place in ruins. It would seem that this turn of fate has been a boon to his long-time business rival, King Rinaldo of the Trade Federation. Rumors have it that the Vermillion Palace has been handed down to a successor.

Bleys travels quite frequently to open relations with fringe civilizations. It is believed that Bleys' Shadow Avernus is Amber's link to the shadier sides of diplomacy, namely the gangsters on the edge of Republic Shadowspace. Sometimes Bleys denies this, and other times he agrees with this statement, depending on his mood. Bleys is said to be a skilled Patternsaberist, but is neither a true Jedi nor a Dark Jedi.

ABOUT: Despite her fugitive status, Cara has not missed a contractual obligation with her recording agents and has release her newest recording right on time, though no one claims any knowledge as to how it was arranged. In her last liner notes she apologized to her fans for the uproar and cancelled performance dates but stated she feared for her life if the Senate's hired thugs were successful because of recent events that have come to her attention or that she has seen for herself. She continued to urge everyone to keep their eyes open, their skepticism healthy and their minds their own.

She has performed at several functions in Amber after she managed to enchant Florimel at a private concert on Shadow Earth.

Cara is often seen on the arm of Senator Marcus Grakt of Shadow Tara. Of her background she is very vague. Only in one interview has she mentioned that her family fled from her war torn shadow of birth and raised "somewhere else." To protect the privacy of her family she has refused to be more specific and most people have respected her wishes.

With a smile that can be both sensuous and sweet, Cara is a striking woman - tall and curvy with long, curly hair of dark brown and eyes of deep moss green. Her mode of dress veers to the romantic side, something not often seen in these days of the Republic. She is fond of earth colors and the only exception to the gold and rare tillenium white metals she wears is the silver locket that is ever present around her neck. When asked about it, she just smiles enigmatically and says it was a gift from someone dear to her. When not touring, Cara is often seen in Marcus's Shadow when she hasn't chosen to go into seclusion for rest.

Among Cara's suitors can be found Senators, Princes of Amber and even a Jedi or two are not immune to her charm.

However, now that Cara has been implicated with a conspiracy against the Republic neither Amber, nor her adoring fans can afford her the protection she needs. Fleeing the scene only angered investigators who placed little faith in the accusations of this stellar performer being linked with the downfall of the mighty Republic. As a result from Senate pressure, the Supreme Chancellor Martin enacted an order that instituted the use of bounty hunters alongside Republic security officials to bring Cara in for questioning.

ABOUT: The warrior strode into the deployment room with a determined gait. He moved with the perfect precision of a well drilled soldier. The combat belt around his waist was old, well used, and well cared for. By contrast, his silver combat armor appeared brand new and was polished until it gleamed. As he marched across the open room it would reflect the sunlight in strange little patterns about the room. The golden face-plate reflected the face of the person he was looking as if it were a colored mirror. With a fluid grace he drew himself to attention and stood so still he could easily mistaken for chromed statue. When he spoke, however, the truth was learned...

"Command One - Recon Assault Droid. Sub-Designation: Conrad; Reporting for duty, Sir." ... He was a droid.

ABOUT: Coral is an energetic and athletic woman with a knack for discovering secrets in her life. She is also headstrong about leading her nations into the top ranks of the Republic, desiring sovereignty on par with Amber. With an heir to the throne, many in Begma are pleased to see their queen "settling" down to a respectable role as mother for a quiet yet progressive realm.

ABOUT: He remembers that he was always a soldier of one kind or another. When Random asked Corwin to help against the recent Wiermonken invasion, he agreed. Corwin became a Jedi Knight for the call of the battle more than anything else, and admits that he is not cut out for the Jedi Code. He also says that his rank is purely a matter of window dressing because he is King of Pariz and calling a king "apprentice" maybe viewed as rude. After the fall of the Courts of Chaos, Corwin realized that the needed to explore more of Pariz, the Shadow System that he created at the end of the Patternfall War, and has since been working to develop his creation. Corwin's friend from Shadow Earth, Bill (Lord William) Roth, has acted as Pariz' representative in the Republic, and Pariz' capitol city, New Avalon, is heavily guarded, since it houses the secrets to many special armaments, collectively called Blasters.

Corwin is an easy-going athletic man who takes risks if the gains are sufficient. He frequently visits Random in Amber, Xanieas in Rebma, and several other places when not playing king in Pariz.

ABOUT: Dacia is tall, close to six feet, and her build is lean and athletic. Her hair inky black and long, falling well past her shoulder.  Her complexion is devoid of color; Pale skinned, her lips are gray and her eyes a deep charcoal.  She is lovely, in a way, as is the smile that frequently graces her features.

ABOUT: He was and seems to forever be a mercenary and friend to Rinaldo. Dalt is a tall and strong foreboding figure who likes to push his weight around. Though his his true allegiance may lie for himself, most realize that Dalt is a skilled and experienced warrior who does not scare easily, even when faced with well-trained Jedi and Chaos Serpent Tooth Assassins in the Black Circle. Over the years Dalt has tested the borders of Amber, Begma, Kashfa, and several other Shadow civilizations with his military forces. Dalt even managed to claim a large portion of the now fallen lands of the Courts of Chaos to the surprise of many, including Prince Benedict. Dalt continues to be an enigma and shows up on alternate sides over time as he sees most profitabl.

ABOUT: Dworkin is a short hunchback man with pointy ears and scraggly dark gray hair that begins under a small leather skull cap and ends half way down his back. He is fond of old books, rare magical components, shiny things of all sorts, and is a stern grandfather figure for many in the Amber Royal family. Currently, Dworkin's whereabouts are unknown. However, some believe that he is searching for "The Chosen One.".

ABOUT: He was officially the second King of Amber during the Interregnum that led ultimately to the Patternfall War about 1,000 years ago. Equally despised and envied for his political and military power at the time, eventually Eric's reputation became heroic, giving his life for the defense of Amber.

However, it would seem his death may have been exaggerated. Skeptics doubt Eric's return and believe this to be an imposter. It is believed that only four people would know for certain of Eric's death a thousand years ago: Corwin, who was with Eric near the end; Prince Caine and Princess Fiona who administered to Eric's wounds; and Father Ciglioni who gave Eric his last rights, the Unicorn Priest who was murdered in the Forest of Arden on the night of the Republic's 400th Birthday.

Eric plans to reclaim his title as King of Amber and has been given approval by Prince Benedict through a rumored secret family discussion. Eric's good will talks have been well received in such places as Amber City, and Tara during the first annual Peace Conference hosted by Count Marcus Grakt. Strong supporters of Eric's agenda include Faulkner Hesperia Veranth, Princess Flora, and a number of Amber ministers.

ABOUT: He was the wealthiest commoner in Amber City. DuBuis' fame and power is built on his charm and cunning manner to convince inventors to make things happen. It is said that DuBuis came from a poor dock-handler's home and he himself worked up through the ranks to management until he made the right connections to build a small shipping company.

DuBuis invested his profits into Amber City. Eventually, he bought the Amber City Library, one of the greatest libraries in the Republic following the demise of the Royal Chaos Library in Thelbane. DuBuis gave to charities, The University of Amber, hospitals, and so forth as business continued to soar. The double DuBuis Towers stand in downtown Amber City and house both living apartments and businesses from all over the Republic. It is the premiere convention center and a symbol of economic power in the face of Royalty.

PAST: No one's life is lived in a bubble, not even a spoiled Celeb like me. I don't know how I got wrapped up in it, but I somewhere along the line agreed to help in a book about the Jedi. Good lord these freakish mages are as cloistered as I am extravagant. Getting a straight answer from them is like pulling teeth. At least with pulling teeth you get the pleasure of getting something out of a mouth. Yeah life has certainly gotten interesting, what with my public support of Eric and his eventual patronage. Pretty amazing the number of Amber's royals I see on a regular basis. Still Eric invited me to a peace conference in shadow Tara and I enjoyed myself. All kinds of activity and a host of exotic aliens. Pretty impressive conference to if I had been allowed to just stay and play. Another member of the FAMILY of Amber decided to interject himself in my life again.

My old pal Kalen. Seems he was a wanted traitor of Amber with a long list of offenses following in his wake. Something in me tells me he isn't as guilty as the charges indicate, still I'm not sure. I had a wonderful stay with Amber's militia as they questioned me about Kalen, in a way I am glad I truly didn't know anything. Can't drill a person for something they really don't know. Ah well until life interjects again I'll be working on that Jedi book.

Hope to see you fans later,

Love, Faulkner.

DESCRIPTION: His break with the traditional role of a Rebman male and escape to the Kingdom of Kashfa came as a surprise to the public, but not so to those who knew him closely. Now it's fast Speeders, fast women and leading roles that make up Faulkner's life. He is outspoken against the Republic and the growing power of the Jedi.

Publicly he has become a big celebrity and a good will worker, often donating funds to various causes, or giving public talks on achieving ones dreams. Just about the only people overly upset with him, are his own people from Rebma. His balking the role of traditional subservient Rebman males and flaunting himself on the silver screen have started a small movement in Rebma, all of which displease some of the powers that be.

Faulkner's career has taken alternate paths with the public support of Prince Eric of Amber. Pursuing politics in and outside of Rebma has met with mixed results for the young actor who hopes to overcome the prejudices of Rebma and perhaps bring change while working with Eric's campaign.

It is assumed that Faulkner will be knighted shortly after Eric reclaims the Crown of Amber. This is, especially so given that Faulkner took a bullet intended for Eric while the two were visiting Kashfa during the Phoenix Flame Event.

Since recovering from the wound, Faulkner was party to the heroic efforts made to prevent the Chaos Lord Despil from invading Amber through the lunar base, Mirelle, and pivitol in the rescue of the the station personnel and Jedi who were contaminated with a strange bioweapon.

FILMOGRAPHY

• "Scattered Dreams," - An Amnesiac wakes to rediscover his life.
• "Showdown on Hollowed Ground," - A Western/Action movie.
• "Valkyrie Tears," - A romantic tragedy.
• "Rise from Chaos," - A horror movie in the depths.
• "On Dangerous Waters," - A Pirate movie with plenty of sword play. Minor Romance.
• "Cry Freedom," - A movie about escape from slavery. An action movie with Sci-Fi elements.
• "Jovian Gambit," - An Anti-Terrorist Action Movie with elements of romance.
• "All Random's Men," - You guessed it in His Majesties Secret Service.
• "Hunter's Moon," - Arden plagued by a mythological beast. A Horror/Action movie.
• "Dancing Till Dawn," - Romance.
• "A Rail Marks the Way," - A historical account of the Lions of Savou. Action/Suspense.
• "Endless Fantasy," - A Final Fantasy movie Magic/Romance and Action.

ABOUT: She is not only a skilled Jedi Master, but is rumored to be quite talented with the ancient art of Trump. Trump is said to be a legendary power that allows people to talk and even to visit others through drawn pictures, or so the old TrumpNet technicians suggest. Fiona is said to be one of the founders of TrumpNet, but has devoted most of her life to studying the Pattern and the Force.

ABOUT: After leaving Amber in spite of the quarantine in effect due to the parasite infestation after the birthday celebration a year ago, Helena was drawn into a net of deceit, conspiracy, and terror when she was arrested on Avernus. Detained, kidnapped, nearly killed, sold into slavery, liberated, and then on the run, she has been accused of Conspiracy against the Republic with a standing order issued for her arrest. With that to consider, it is not surprising that she went into hiding.

Yet now she appears again, miraculously whole and living freely in the heart of the Republic she has been accused of undermining. What mysterious deals were struck to avoid being brought to justice, instead being named head of what is rumored to be one of the most influential Houses in Rebma? What officials have been compensated for looking the other way as she struts about Amber at King Eric's Coronation, openly defying the authority she had at one time claimed to endorse? And what of her co-conspirators? Is it her doing that Jedi Padawan D'Eain - now known as Jedi Knight D'Eain - has avoided investigation into and punishment for his role in the conspiracy? Now that Helena Shevala has revealed herself to be just another player in the games of power, can any of the popular articles she authored while at Focus be trusted to resemble the truth?

HIGHLIGHTS: Was it only weeks ago that I was at home, relaxed, successful, respected, and HAPPY with my life as a journalist for Focus? Was it only weeks ago that I could wake up in the morning, go to office for a leisurely day of research or editing before having the evening off for visiting friends or enjoying some theatre?

Was it only weeks ago when I was able to go where I wanted, when I wanted, under my own power?

No, it was a lifetime ago. Before I became a criminal, a captive, a prize, and a slave. Before I became entangled in a net of deception, corruption, and terror. Even Avernus seems distant now, where I was propositioned to join a group of anti-Republic rabblerousers. And even that was the highest tide in my recent memory. Since then, I have been captured, interrogated, threatened with death more than once, drugged, and otherwise exploited. I look forward to a day when the memories of the experiences I've had will be blurred enough for me to sleep peacefully again. If it had not been for the constant, steadying presence of Aidan, I would surely have given in to despair long ago.

Though Sanctuary's prison so far is preferable to the ones on Avernus and that Sylvain woman's ship, still we are slaves. What these people have against the Republic, I cannot say. I _can_ say that they are not afraid to use any means necessary to reach their ends, and that thought fills me with dread when I consider what may happen if they _do_ overthrow the Republic and take over the Shadowverse. If even Rebmians will hold their fellow Rebmians as slaves in this place, then hope for an equitable future is in doubt.

I can only hope that I can survive this ordeal, perhaps find out some useful information about Sanctuary, and may find my way back to Rebma someday. Perhaps I'll have an opportunity to apologize to Dworkin for not visiting him while he was sick on Avernus. And perhaps I'll be able to swim in the ocean again.

ABOUT: He served the Republic as its first Supreme Chancellor from the line of Amber. Ian is the son of Eric and a woman from Karm, named Belinda. Ian carried the Republic through its greatest hardships, during the period in which the Courts of Chaos crumbled, and made very bold decisions to further the Republic. He was criticized as being too "Amber," though he rarely supported any of King Random's requests in the Senate. Ian described himself as a loyalist to what Amber could have been, though ultimately he served the interests of Karm as its senator prior to becoming the Supreme Chancellor of the Republic. Ian was outright blunt and reasonable to his peers, and many in the Republic value his friendship and council. Several negotiations between then-struggling members have resulted in a healthier network of multinational cooperation for the current state of the Republic.

ABOUT: On his calmer days, Johan wears a severe black jumpsuit and pulls his dark hair straight back. The only spots of color are his brilliant green eyes. When he lets go, that hair comes loose like a dark halo, and the jumpsuit gets traded in for one of a multitude of togas. His current favorite is a lush red with yellow sunbursts that trail behind as he bounces around; his round, smiling face looking for new items of fun. Johan Bek normally pokes holes in the egos of the Senate, shadow governments and whoever has been famous for the past five minutes, but during the Weirmonken conflict he was solidly on the side of the republic; "After all," as he said when asked about this, "If someone else took over, I might have to work for a living." The pro-Johan riot at the Republic birthday party upset many senators.

Most recently while passing through Shadow Avalon, Johan Bek was cited as dueling with an Avalon nobleman. Johan reportedly won the contest. However later that evening, the nobleman was found murdered in his bed with his own dueling sword thrust through his abdomen. Avalon authorities are searching for Mr. Bek for questioning in the affair.

HIGHLIGHTS: "Ahhh! Get'em off me getem off me!"

Johan was screaming. Again. Wedo knocked him down while I got out the medkit. Water tabs, stims. Endoran Leech Spray, fresh off the herd ship. Not even past its due date yet.

I sprayed him down, then sat back and waited. Takes about a minute, and then they just start popping off.

Once he was feeling better, Johan got up and headed for the speeder.

"I can't take it anymore! I need a hotel! Uh, can someone give me directions?"

The person on the far side of the clearing finally spoke. "Leave now and you'll be killed, you know."

"I don't care. My life's not worth leeches and mosquitoes and cats." Johan spoke tough, put he didn't jump into the cockpit.

"500 credits says you won't last a week."

"You're on." Johan made a beeline for his tent which was, theoretically, indigenous lifeform proof.

With Johan's back turn, the man smirked. "And they're attracted by the smell of alcohol in the blood. Stop drinking and you'll feel better." Johan nearly fainted into his room.

I looked over at Wedo. We both knew the leeches didn't care about alcohol. There were some lakes of the stuff nearby that were never touched. "Remind me never to get an agent," I muttered.

- Johan, the Forest, day 4

ABOUT: It is nigh impossible to find anyone who admits to using the services of Jarwhal. Those who do, refuse to speak to authorities. Any desire to speak up is easily squelched when the story of one person who did is whispered. What was left of the person found a few days later was barely identifiable as human. There is no known image of Kai'lain, and there is some speculation that Jarwhal may not even be female at all, but instead a rather effete man or even a shape shifter, as there was previously a smuggler by the name of Kale Jarwhal who has not been seen in many years.

Rumors have recently surface again concerning Kai'lain, but by the time investigators begin looking into them, the trail in both directions is already days old.

ABOUT: He is a Rudian Twi'lek, and like others of his race, he has bright teal skin, red eyes, sharp pointed teeth and a pair of baku (head-tails). He is tall and athletic, and quite attractive by human standards (head-tails not withstanding). His friendly demeanor and gregarious nature help soften his appearance, which can be rather striking. He usually dresses in the neutral tones of the Jedi Order, though will occassionally dress more casually when not on Jedi business. His trusty green-bladed lightsaber is always at his side.

ABOUT: Kalen was the writer of the famous "Kalen's Karousings" article appearing in every issue of Focus Magazine. His reviews were usually very accurate, though his reviewing techniques (the awarding of the "Golden Jedi" in particular) have some out of sorts with him. He usually kept company with his Aunt Flora of Amber, attending her lavish parties, or she escorted him and his retinue to the latest club openings.

Kyle was in his late 20's with deep brown eyes and straight dark hair. He's just this side of tall and that side of muscular, with a swarthy, tanned skin. There was always a smile on his perfect face, and a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. He used to be seen as often with a drink in his hand as he was with a woman (or two) on his arm. Traveling around the galaxy in his personal yacht, The Fortunate Son, Kalen seemed to be living in the lap of luxury, and as a Prince of Amber, it looked like that lap was very large.

His installments of "Kalen's Karousings" are archived at Focus Magazine.

Not long ago, Kyle went missing. Focus Magazine stocks plummeted as a result of Kyle's absence and the charges brought against Helena Shevala. Senate investigation on Focus Magazine has been halted by Supreme Chancellor Martin until further proof against the established company comes to light.

Kyle Varr is no more. That man was cast into Amber’s dungeons and died within that damp, dark room.

The man that walks now is a ghost, only a ghost. Some say that ghost led raiding parties against Rebman interests, sending many a noble sailor to a watery grave ­ revenge the only cause for bloodshed. Some say that ghost was turned from that life by the intervention of a beneficent third party, a guiding hand and a shielding arm. That the ghost was trained, positioned, and placed in the perfect role to help the Senate remain stable in a time of need. The ghost walked among you, seen, but unseen.

It’s also rumored that the ghost returned to Amber, to face just punishment, perhaps, to walk the Pattern, certainly. He took the grand filigree the very day Amber nearly fell to the first assault by the forces of Chaos.

The ghost found himself in the company of General Despil and helped Eric to thwart the plans of Chaos that day, perhaps saving the lives of countless innocent beings.

HIGHLIGHTS: “ Amber’s Dungeons”

Thanks to the kindness of one of my relatives, I had the fortunate opportunity recently to enjoy a lengthy stay in the dungeons of Amber. As I’d never had the chance to review such a local hotspot, I was “thankful” for their generosity.

All efforts were taken to see that my stay was as authentic as possible, including beatings, rarely changed bed linens and low quality food. I think they even threw in the ill-lit cell and lice for free, just to improve their overall rating.

The start of my stay began with an approach by the Castle Guard announcing my surprise visit to the Dungeon’s. “Eager” for the chance to try out this much lauded hot spot, I went willingly. For authenticity, they even stripped me down to my unmentionables before escorting me to my “room”.

Which was exactly 10 by 10 and contained a hole for . . . well, you get the idea, and a “bed” made of infested straw. My complimentary rat friends eventually came out to see me after a few hours.

Luckily, the gap under the door for them to slide my food under admitted just enough light for me to make out my surroundings. Unfortunately, the décor left much to the imagination. Four walls and not a painting in sight. Not even some of those crappy wall hangings you sometimes get with particularly cheap hotels. Worse, there wasn’t even a holo-terminal. You have no idea how far behind I am on my shows.

Service was also woefully inadequate, as it was at least 2 days (by my muddled reckoning) before I was “fed”. Meals were traditionally some unidentifiable meat and potatoes gruel with stale hardtack bread and a cup of lukewarm “water”. Luckily, I was only graced with such a fine meal every two or three days.

The rest of my time, that not spent “eating” or sleeping, was spent talking to myself or my complimentary rat companions. They weren’t very good conversationalists, and after a time, neither was I. I’d already heard all my best jokes.

The lice infestation began almost day one, I initially welcomed my hosts meticulous attention to detail, but soon was cursing them as the vermin (the lice, not my hosts) were everywhere. They weren’t good conversationalists either.

The course of the next month, I spent in quiet contemplation of my relatives, my surroundings, and my newly acquired vermin friends.

The maidstaff was practically non-existent as my sheets and hole were changed twice, I believe during my stay. Needless to say, when I left, I didn’t leave a tip. My stay ended when I was shuffled out of my “room” one day, blindfolded (again, for “authenticity”) and taken out of the dungeon. Imagine my surprise when I was told that my stay was going to end in an all-expenses paid cruise!

When I finally managed to ask my fellow “passengers” our final destination, I was “overjoyed” to find out that I was finally going to get to enjoy the fabled hospitality of the Hutts!

Well, I wasn’t about to meet the Hutts as a mere passenger, no, that wouldn’t do. Luckily I managed to convince the current captain of the ship to “promote” me to new Captain and we set our sail for more hospitable waters. The tale of that, later, I’m sure.

In conclusion, I’d like to thank my relative who arranged this wonderful visit. I’m sure we’ll be meeting soon, in person, so I can thank you properly.

Final Review: 1 Jedi: With its spartan setting, gruel-ing food regiment, and monastic like life environment, I ’m sure at least one of that Order would find comfort here in the Dungeons of Amber.

ABOUT:

Ladro is approx. 6'1". He has dirty blonde hair that's styled. He has very fair skin and just a touch of freckles on his nose and forearms. His eyes are deep blue and he has a large squarish chin. He usually wears black, but when out in public he wears lots of blue, usually with a stripe or two of orange. Functionality is important in the clothes Ladro picks. Cargo pockets, tool loops and Velcro get his attention more than name brands or styles. Ladro is about 200 lbs. with broad shoulders. He wears loose dyed-blue wool pants tied off with hemp at the ankles and a black leather belt with several pouches around the waist. It's believed that Ladro is responsible for the disappearance of rare artifacts from the Amber Jedi Temple. At this time, Master Benedict has issued a statement that the Order shall handle the matter.

ABOUT: She is, according to the holovids, a most romantic character. The daughter of Queen Coral of Begma and Kashfa, she was captured by pirates when she was only seven years old. Not realizing her real identity, they raised her as a slave, while she was believed dead by her family. Only recently was she found and rescued when the ship she was on was captured by Republican forces, and a standard scan revealed her true identity.

Now she is returning to her mother to begin life as a princess. But reality isn't romantic. Laura (who answers more readily to her designation as VCI397) is a trained and skilled navigator. Her captors quickly realized the child's aptitude and trained her accordingly. Life, therefore, was dull but not barbaric. For most of her life, her skills have made her a valuable piece of merchandise – and that is how she sees herself. Large parts of her personality appear to have atrophied; she is almost an automaton. Life for VCI937 was a simple round of duties, food (dull and bland), exercise and sleep. For Laura, bewildered by the cataclysmic change in her life, all sensation – physical and emotional – is a shock and a revelation. For the moment she appears an automaton still... but what lies beneath the calm, subdued exterior has still to be revealed.

ABOUT:

Description: To say that Lao is formidable in appearance is an understatement. He's decked out in formidable body armor, including the helmet which completely hides his features. The helmet has a t-shaped slit for vision (darkened to prevent other from seeing his eyes or face) and some sort of antenna. He wears heavy gauntlets and a wide utility belt which contain various devices and possibly weapons. He also wears a light cloak. His armor and clothing look somewhat worn; he's obviously seen a lot of action in them.

ABOUT:

Leon looms from below; his gaunt frame and smoky blue eyes magnifying his average height. You would hardly notice his shaved pate. The dulled green shirt opens at the throat. Even so, its billowing curves hide more than it reveals. Over this he wears a gray vest covered in pockets, a multitude of tools peek out. Rewards are out on Leon.

HIGHLIGHTS: From an interview late in life:

"Well, that made the second time I'd pissed off DuBuis in so many weeks. No way he could know that I had taken the sarcophagus before it blew, but just in case. And the Hutts were still after me, of course. I had to lie low, and I knew just the place. Beaches, lots of pleasant women with all the right curves, and able to shape--"

(Sound of whispered conversation.)

"What do you mean? I thought you wanted the truth!"

"Anyway, since SOME people think this sort of stuff should be suitable for children I won't name the planet, but lets just say that I'd be safe for a while. I had some research to do and some leads to follow, so it wasn't all hedonistic pleasure..."

Legends: Raiding a Dark Temple

One of the few times Leon has had assistance in a heist was a raid on a Dark Temple on one of the moons of Yavin. Actually, it would be more proper to say that Leon WAS the assistance. According to legend, the moon was home to a Chaos House. When the war reached the Yavin system, they fought back vigorously . Because of their sorcerous skills and dark sacrifices, the Jedi needed to be called in and, in the end, the House was wiped out and forgotten. Remnants of their sorcery remained, however, especially in the temple that had been the centre of their rituals. A sorceror, name of Aban, had contacted Leon. He wanted to recover a set of magical stones, and needed someone to defeat the traps and physical defenses of the temple. Aban would take care of the magical defenses.

The sorceror was named Aban. When he approached me, I was very suspicious. Its not that he scared me, or was one of those crazy old mystics who come walking out of the desert with some harebrained story about chaos gold. No, he was almost too sane to be real. "Why would someone like you believe in this kind of wild goose chase?", I asked.

He pushed a holodisc across the table. "Some members of House Oihane either escaped or smuggled out information before Yavin fell. This record indicates that they had possession of the stones. A later hand goes on to speculate that all those capable of using them died before they could be brought out of storage and activated."

At the time, Aban refused to reveal his sources. I would gradually find out that he was a skilled archaeologist, and a veteran. These records had been discovered a few years ago, but someone decided they just had to have the stones. I didn't care to speculate what they would have done with them. Someone else, maybe a Jedi, did speculate and had tipped off Aban. We had to get the stones first. I hoped this temple had lots of exits...

A few days after the meeting, I went to the starport to meet Aban. I had looked over the holodisc and decided that he was only a little crazy. There was enough information that we had a chance of surviving. Docking bay 11 held a small ship. It was a dull black, except for the warning symbols and the name on the front. I never learned much Calamari, but I think Ka'lenis meant sun, or sunspot, something like that. A scout ship, from the look of it; just big enough for a couple people and months of supplies. Oh yeah, and the best sensor arrays you could get outside the Royal Amber Fleet.

I got onboard, and my equipment took up only one small compartment. Aban needed the rest of the room to hold his junk pile. I picked up a small howitzer by the shoulder strap, and put it back down before I dropped the damned thing. "I thought you said Yavin lost the battle? What do we need with this thing?" I asked Aban, who was showing me around. "Big game. They bred sandcrawlers and worse. Good hunting, and it kept the slaves from trying to escape." I guess I shouldn't have asked.

The flight was long, but uneventful. Aban and his navigation droid took care of the flying. I made some minor repairs, and tried to upgrade his holochess board. Just a couple cheat codes so I could win once in a while.

Aban wasn't kidding about the wildlife, either. We landed about a day's walk from the temple; any closer and we might have set off some automatic defenses. He took out the howitzer and watched my back while I put up the camouflage netting and the field generators. A couple hours later a rancor or something tried to pick me up for its lunch. The force field and sparkers made it back off, but I don't think they were made to repel too many swipes from something like that. And not from those flying lizards, either. I swear, one dropped a load of shit right over the ship. That stuff took hours to burn away, and the stench! By nightfall, we were packed and ready to go. A skimmer, some weapons, my equipment, and as many sensors as the car could hold. We would go in at dawn.

Dawn. Fortunately, I wasn't driving. When we hit a clearing, the sun was blinding, and back in the jungle it was pitch-black in comparison. The sensors were setup in the back of the skimmer; whenever I was checking for defenses I had to keep an ear out for Aban yelling "Duck". Did I mention that he liked to bounce the top of the skimmer off treelimbs? The temple's outer perimeter was solely sensors. Considering what was going on when Yavin was trashed, I expected it to detect humans. The native life had obviously creeped right on past, though. So. Throw a sheet over the car, say the magic words, and we were a bundle of vines. I had to shoo off some of the birds (perhaps I should have chosen a different plant. The vines seeemed a popular snack) but we creeped across the line. The next set of defenses was still far away.

The jungle was closing in. The last clearing was half an hour gone, and Aban had to slow down to keep us in one piece. I saw something off to one side. Green, just like almost everything around here. Small, humanoid... armed? I tapped Aban on the shoulder and told him. He pointed at a blaster without moving his eyes. "Set it for stun and take them out." "Um, Aban? I can't even hit a stationary target." (I'd tried to win a prize at the fair once. You know, shoot the bullseye with the fake blaster? Couldn't even touch the outer ring. And its not like I've needed to use a gun since then) That got his attention. If looks could kill, there wouldn't have been a jungle after that. "Okay, then leave it on full and take some potshots to scare them away. But whatever you do, DON'T HIT THEM! This is a licensed Republic archaeological dig; I'd be in big trouble if we killed any natives."

It was my turn to stare. Well, the Massassi (mostly ex-slaves, Aban told me), had some magic and some deadfalls, but we didn't stay in one place long enough for them to set anything up. The distraction did mean, though, that we only knew we'd hit the next line of defenses when a blaster sheared off the tip of our stabilizer.

We both knew what to do; Aban slowed just enough for me to bail out, then headed off parallel to the firing line. Fat target; old gunnery computer; I was able to hijack the turret without much trouble. It would provide some covering fire if we needed to evacuate.

The last barrier would be magical, and that was all we knew. While I had been tinkering with the sensors back at camp, Aban had been covering the skimmer with runes and wards. Assuming he had thought of everything, and assuming he had put enough force into the wards, we would get there in one piece.

Did you know that triacylic acid practically seeks out engine cores and renders them useless in 30 seconds? Neither did we. That was just enough time for a controlled crash, then we had to grab what we could and run before the pheriza could spit again. pheriza: A lizard native to the planet Malrin. Weighs 25-75 kilos at maturity. Lifespan unknown. Prefers to lie in hiding, for months to years at a time, then spit some of its extremely toxic stomach acids at prey. Easily trainable with the use of magic. (University of Amber Thari Dictionary)

It didn't want to follow us. Could have been well-trained, but I just call it lazy. The native life thinned out, and it wasn't more than ten minutes of hiking before we came out in a giant clearing. Picture a starport field. Now, make it flat and lifeless, except for a cruiser-sized pyramid in the center. Made a great kill zone.

A thin black line marked the perimeter of the clearing. I got out my sensors and scanned for something, anything. Nope. I looked at Aban, "Any magic?" He was crouched down, his forehead scrunched up in a knot as he thought. After a couple minutes, he picked up a handful of dirt and tossed it at the line. It never made it over. His voice was strained, "Our military magicians have only just discovered this kind of spell. I don't think it was a discovery after all. Someone has been here."

Half an hour later, Aban had built a wide arch where we were going to enter. "Take my hand and step through. You might feel a little disorientation," he said. Lying to protect the innocent, he was. It felt like being taken apart, having your component cells spread across the universe, and then SNAP! a cosmic rubber band brings you back together again. I was checking that all my body parts were in the right place when Aban collapsed against me. "A black line will do that to you," he said, and then he fainted.

Just then, I saw a ship swoop over our heads. Something set off an earthquake, and as I fell I saw the arch breaking up. I hoped this temple had lots of exits, cause this one had just closed and it looked like someone would be chasing us soon. We needed shelter, and the only route to it lay across the killing field.

Still no signs of technology. Aban had whipped up a couple of magic rocks for this kind of eventuality. "If theres a magical trap in the area, it will set it off. Be sure to stand well back." I tossed them towards the temple. Nothing. I could either try to wake Aban up (he gets grumpy when hes tired) or risk life and limb on whatever traps we hadn't found. I shrugged, grabbed Aban's feet, and pulled.

I slapped him awake when we reached the threshold of a golden doorway. Lots of engravings that I couldn't understand, some pictures of events I had never heard of, the usual kinds of pomposity that I like to fake and sell to people willing to pay ten times their value. Maybe one of them said "Servant's Entrance in Rear" No doorknob.

Aban pulled himself together, looked at the door, then said something in a language I had never heard. It disappeared. As we walked through, I looked at him, "What was that?". "Old Chaosian. An oath of honor and peace..." I pushed him out of the way as the hallway bloomed with flame.

Motion detectors, pressure sensors, infrared, magical, they were all in that nasty little corridor. My guess would be that speaking the password and MEANING it would have disabled the traps. Pick the action holo of your choice; you'll get the idea of how we got through to the inner chambers.

When we found a servant's passage, we took it. People usually don't take as much trouble to hide their defenses from the menials. Instead of a pair of statues that shoot blaster bolts at you, they use a wall strip. Less stylish, easier to see, but still usually effective. The closest the traps got was a pair of shields. Seal the corridor, eventually you run out of air. I saw the one in front, but missed the shield behind us. They were just about drained though, after a couple centuries of standing around waiting for a target. I overloaded them and we kept on going.

Much larger than I expected. The inner temple was an utterly smooth sphere. We stood in one of eight or twelve wide hallways that branched off on all sides. At the bottommost center was a black pit, while the top half of the sphere was a mass of color, converging on a white spotlight directly opposite the pit. Floating in the center of the room, level with us, was a circular slab with the requisite big ugly statue on it. One arm was human, the second was a mass of tentacles, the third was I'm not sure what. It leaned away from the disc, like it was about to either fall into the pit or float into the light.

While I looked up, down, and all around, Aban unrolled a plastic sheet onto the curve. With a word, it stiffened and we slowly floated out to the dais. The stones rested in a bowl at the center. One shined like obsidian. The second was covered in wet blood.

" An interesting specimen, this. Oihane could have taught Dworkin a thing or two." With that unmistakable buzz, someone lit a lightsaber and stepped away from the statue. He waved the saber a couple times, then pointed it at the stones. "You see them. Are you ready to accept my superiority yet?"

" Why I thought you'd never ask, Rind. But why did you join them? You of all people should have known theres nothing worthwhile they could offer," Aban replied. Then he went for his blaster. As he let off a shot, Rind ducked back into the statue, and the guns hidden in the ceiling opened up. We started after Rind simultaneously. Aban to use his blaster and me to get to shelter. I sweeped up a stone on the way, so got there a couple steps behind. Just as Aban came running back out and some explosives collapsed the passage.

The statue blocked most of the gunfire, but fingers and tentacles were starting to break off. I pointed at the filmy, then down. When Aban nodded, we ran out and grabbed the edge of the filmy. It dropped straight down, took a couple hits, and disintegrated a couple feet above the floor. Jump, use my icepick attachment, and we landed on the ledge in the black pit. Good thing I had looked around before we came to visit.

The ledge led to a tunnel that we crawled through. When it raised up enough to stand, we were in a much smaller sphere, with a black sphere hovering in the center. "Thats what we came for," Aban muttered. "Good thing Rind's bosses wouldn't want him to touch this. Let me see if I can figure this out." I waited. He eventually pulled out a rod, touched it to the sphere, and when he pulled the rod back the rock came with it. "Let's go."

We continued down the tunnel and came to a four-way intersection. Troops were just starting to run up one passage, and Aban sent them running back to cover with a couple shots. We headed down another passage, which ended in a circular balcony. Below us was... the dais? I KNEW we had not gone up a slope that time.

Stray blaster shots were bouncing around the corner. I crouched in the far entrance, found a likely patch of ceiling, and shot. Miraculously, I connected with the support and the ceiling started to collapse. "Now as long as this doesn't dead-end," Aban didn't look very happy with that thought. We started running again as the ceiling, and pretty soon the walls and floor, started to collapse. Modern guns; able to demolish more history in five minutes...

When it was safe to slow down, I pulled out my mapper and we headed back to the surface. Now there were patrols to dodge, but at least the heart seemed to have gone out of the traps. The wards hardly had enough energy to spark, let alone shock. We made it out in one piece, Aban used the stone to bend the black line around us, and we hiked back into the jungle. When we got far enough away, he called the ship in on remote, and we got away without having to dodge anything bigger than a pair of patrol boats.

Aban refused to tell me about Rind. Honor, danger, or maybe he still didn't trust me. I could tell he was disappointed by the stone, though. Powerful, yes, but not quite the planet-shattering force he had gone looking for. Better that way. Otherwise, I might have been tempted to try to hold a system for ransom. Maybe Avernus, or Nal Hutta. I never liked them anyway. Just kidding.

ABOUT:

There are stories that Lintra and Benedict shared a hopeful truce for one night in which last efforts were made to peacfully resolve the conflict. It is even said that an agreement had been forged to this end. However, come morning, the agreement was nullified and both parties resumed the pitched battle against the other. It is said that Lintra's demise came at a price to Benedict with she claiming his right arm during the conflict.

Lintra is a tall athletic woman with a fiery spirit and keen senses. She dresses in formal military uniforms befitting her station and origins as a highly decorated general from Chaos.

ABOUT:

Lissla is average in height, around 5'6 or so. Her skin is dark, her hair a deep auburn. Her eyes are light brown with flecks of gold, almost amber in colour. Her fingers are long, but sturdy. Her nose has been broken in the past and has left the tip slightly angled to the right. She has high cheekbones. Her face is considered more striking than pretty or handsome. Her voice is a low alto, but don't ask her to sing. When not serving her Jedi Master or on official Jedi business, she wears a leather skirt and loose fitting hemp shirts and tied sandals: a tribute to her home Shadow Deiga. She is a skilled lightsaberist and participated in the Wiermonken Conflict at the Battle of Kolvir.