Artifacts and Creatures of Power

Argentine

An organic mineral which can be shaped through arcane means to carry or transfer energy signatures. Also known as: Atlantium, Moonsteel, Serpent's Blood, and various other names. The mineral has long been sought throughout the ages for both its curative and destructive capabilities which are perhaps exaggerated. The mineral's origins are likewise wrapped in mystery. A legend tells that the mineral came into being from a group of Shadowfolk who dwelled far from the ancient realms. They were found and forced to share their resources with others, and as a result became slaves to the visitors. This story is preserved in a number of ballads by nomads who once traveled from realm to realm. These nomads were called Moonriders. The Moonriders gained a reputation for their skill with music and with shaping and using Argentine in its cold form--a refined ore, as jewelry, weapons, and musical instruments. It is believed that the Moonriders traded their wares with other peoples in exchange for goods and services. It is thought that other cultured either modified or had the Moonriders make new uses with the silvery metal, such as furniture and machines, however, this has yet to be verified. These artifacts are collected to this day by various individuals and organizations throughout the Multiverse, with the hope of unlocking the past or perhaps to gain power for the here and now. [top]

Jewel

Most are unaware of what this is. It is said to be a small tear-shaped ruby pendant worn from a gold chain around King Random’s neck during annual solstice festivals. Some believe that this Jewel protects Amber and her people from harm. [top]

Logrus

It is rumored that the Logrus is or was a metaphysical experience located in the heart of a secret Chaos Ways. Only those who have traversed and survived are said to know the true location. The Logrus is believed by scholars to be the metaphysical manifestation of chaos in the Multiverse and that it is in constant battle with the forces of order, as designed in the Patterns. None know if the Logrus remains in the desolate remains of old Chaos. [top]

Patterns

These creations of order are said to rest in guarded vaults within Castle Amber and Castle Rebma. It is believed that the Patterns hold the power to move through Shadowspace and descendants of Dworkin may call upon this power once they have walked a Pattern. [top]

Serpent

The Serpent is the symbol of the Courts of Chaos, and the unyielding forces of Chaos that permeate the Multiverse. [top]

Spikards

Even more frequently than weapons have rings been a source of great power for rulers and conquerors throughout Shadow. Spikards in particular are rings forged from primal energy, each endowed with special characteristics and said to possess a will of their own. [top]

Swords

Over the course of time, many powerful and often enchanted blades were created to battle threats. Often times, use of such weapons came with a price to the wielder. It is said that King Corwin, Prince Bleys, King Rinaldo, and Arthur Pendragon XX of Shadow Avalon hold such fabled blades. [top]

Unicorn

The Unicorn is the symbol of the Court of Amber, and the ever vigilant forces of Order that move through the Multiverse. [top]

Powers

Magical Means

Magic has been practiced by millions of Shadow societies, sometimes openly and other times in secret, over the ages. Because of Magic's reliance upon Spark, a near-Multiversal available energy source, it is generally treated as an affinity with technology more often than not within the Republic. Shadows vary in available access to Spark, however, powerful Mages have been known to create surprising effects with their advances. Bacta Tanks are primarily a result of Magical research and development with Shadow organisms. Magic Schools have been founded throughout the Republic, however, graduation proves to be challenging for even gifted individuals. [top]

Morphing Shapes

Shapeshifting for the most part seems limited to those who possess the active genetic makeup, such as in Chaosians and those Aliens related to Chaosians through blood or Shadow. Shapeshifters are treated with suspicion by most within the Republic which prides itself as maintaining order through single-identity citizens. [top]

Deckless TrumpNet

TrumpNet is the successor to what legends call Trump Decks. It is said that in ages past people would communicate between Shadows using stylized playing cards. An advantage to using these ancient cards was that it allowed for inter-Shadow travel between the caller and the person, place, or thing depicted. TrumpNet President, Alay Jiroz, was quoted as saying that "TrumpNet does not yet provide safe transportation through its system, but reliable site-to-site communication keeps TrumpNet as the preferred choice throughout the Republic user range." All new Shadowships and most public terminals within the Republic contain a TrumpNet system. However, something seems to be affecting TrumpNet recently. Officials are continuing to investigate the problems surrounding TrumpNet use and missing technicians. [top]

Forcing Issues

The Jedi Order teaches that the Force is the life force of the Multiverse that surrounds and penetrates all things. The Order believes that intent determines how one interacts with the Force, for good or evil, the effects are felt by all. This is a philosophy not shared by all. Some societies with members who exhibit Force Use abilities do not permit the Jedi Order to "confine" or "control" their way of life. Some Shadows outlaw Force Users to the point of banishment or execution on the spot. Currently the Republic's official laws invoke one of three consequences for citizen Force Users: Seek guidance within the Order, take inhibitor drugs, or face criminal prosecution and imprisonment for crimes committed using the Force. However, those who conceal their abilities are generally able to live without restrictions, though this is less the case of late since the Rogue Jedi incident on Shadow Avernus. [top]

Logrus No More

Believed to be the Power manifestation of all Chaos in the Multiverse. It is said that the Logrus exists so long as there is at least one who has traversed it. None seem to know if the Logrus exists since the Fall of Chaos, when riots within the Black Zone of the Courts of Chaos forced the Republic to send in Jedi to quell the spreading violence. Many Chaos nobles perished at the end of a lightsaber. It is said that only one who is a descendant of the Royal Houses of Chaos may possess an attunement with the Logrus and thus use a portion of the Power's abilities. Some believe that only the King in Exile, Merlin of House Sawall, remains alive and is biding his time for revenge upon the Republic. [top]

Pitter Patterns

Patterns are said to be the Power manifestations of Order within the Multiverse. They are supposedly over 100 feet diameter two-dimensional glowing spirals inscribed and guarded by the descendants of their creators. Three are said to exist within the Amber System, with one in Amber Castle, one within the reflection in Tir-na Nog'th, and the third in Castle Rebma. Pariz Castle in the Pariz System supposedly contains one as well. More importantly, should a person survive walking a Pattern they are believed to cease aging, are accepted as a member of the royal bloodline, and gain the potential to alter reality, or so the legends go. [top]

Races

Only Human

The most populace Race throughout the Multiverse. They claim to hail from Shadow Earth, or elsewhere, depending on whom one asks. Short-lived determined people who make everything their business. [top]

Exotic Aliens

This more or less applies to everything non (human, Amberite/Rebmian, or Droid). Multi-limbed, strange protrusions, non-carbon-based life-forms, and more. Aliens are unique in that while they may seem unrelated individually, as a whole they have more numbers than Humans, Amberites, Rebmians, and Droids put together. And that may be a frightening thought for the Republic who only maintains a 40% membership of Alien Shadow nations, leaving many underrepresented Alien Shadow nations to turn to non-Republic assistance in time of need. [top]

Immortal Amberites and Rebmians

The natural blood-lined citizens of Amber and Rebma are special in that they live for a very long time, but with relatively low birthrates. Some believe that they are only able to produce a handful of children over their potential millenium-length lifespans. Both Amber and Rebma share: governments that are monarchy-based with parliamentary support, a monolithic belief system (The Holy Unicorn and The Holy Seahorse respectively), Trade Guilds who promote local economy over Republic regulated, the use of the Amber/Rebma Sea that connects the two Shadows, and more. [top]

Those Darn Droids

Created through the secrets of Spark technology and Tir-na Nog'th mined metals, these useful beings are capable of great things. They are prized within and outside the Republic and some say they hold the secrets to how the Multiverse works within their circuitry. [top]

Stuff Out There

Shadow

In essence Shadow is said to be the "material" that makes up everything but that which is directly linked to the Primal Patterns or Logrus. [top]

Shadowspace

The space and time that most beings experience between and surrounding Pattern Realms, such as Amber, Rebma, and Pariz. It extends to the site of the former Courts of Chaos, and beyond in every "direction." Shadowspace is what is mapped by navigational systems for travel through Shadow. [top]

Hypershadowspace

The realm within Shadowspace that allows for faster travel. [top]

Undershadow

A theoretical inner-Shadowspace where strange forces are said to lurk and influence the course of events. [top]

Spark and Technology

Spark

was discovered by Professor Denell Coruscant of Amber University, who earlier graduated from The Royal Ericson University, in Shadow Karm. Spark is the ambient magical energy residing throughout Shadows that can be tapped for modern technological use. [top]

AstralWorks

The primary software module system responsible for computers throughout the Republic. When you think of a computer operating system/core, think of AstralWorks inside. It was created jointly by Mage Tech Services with representatives from all of the Shadow member nations, AstralWorks continues to symbolize the proactive results of mass needs in the marketplace and the desire for maintaining communication and data presence in the Republic. [top]

Blasters

The weapon of choice for many criminals and law-enforcing types, mostly because they work practically everywhere and rarely cease functioning. They are secretly manufactured in Shadow Pariz under severe security measures. Blaster technology has been successfully adapted to arm larger craft, including Shadowships. [top]

Droids

Powered by the mysterious Shadow-present field of Spark within a Tir-na Nog'th metal frame of wire and plates, these life-forms are created to serve the needs of the Republic in hostile, repetitive, or chiefly specialized roles. For some they are nothing more than walking, talking computers. For others they are trusted companions. [top]

'Sabers

These elegant weapons (Lightsabers or Patternsabers) are created in secret by the Jedi who use them. It is said that they contain mysterious jewels that powerfully focus Spark or Pattern energy depending on the type and that in the hands of a skilled Jedi they may act as an extension of ones will within the Multiverse. [top]

Shadowships

These vehicles are built to move not only through the harsh environment of space, but also through Shadow. Usually required to have a HyperShadowspacedrive or someone/something who can navigate and "move" the craft through Shadow, such as a Shadowmech Droid or one who has been initiated through a Pattern. Shadowships are the fighters, freighters, and warships of the Republic and beyond. Pirates are a common threat as they search to add new ships to their fleets while selling the goods and passengers to the Hutts. [top]

Speeders (and other Repulsorlift Crafts)

These are the vehicles that seem to float off the ground, but not capable of leaving the atmosphere of a world. Land, snow, water, pods, and more fall into this category of Spark-engine technology. Each needs modification for extreme environmental changes through Shadowworlds. [top]