Alternate Realities, Portal Xanadu

From: rip1@tank.uchicago.edu (The Armchair Ninja)

Date: Tue, 05 Dec 1989 20:26:06 +0000

When last we left our protagonists, they were in attendance at the
High Court of Xanadu, where it was recently revealed that:

1.  The Lady Shosharra, Dorian's present companion, recently returned from
a mission across the border of Xanadu.  She discovered that the troublesome
band of raiders (who would strike at villages and then flee across the border)
were in fact as suspected, being led by the youngest male basilisk, who
received his orders directly from his father, the Emperor Ivar.

2.  The Empress Alicia has taken this as an Act of War, and is presently
alerting her forces and mobilizing for a spring campaign.  It seems as though
she has the full consent of all those nations owing alliegance to her.

3.  It is now the middle of fall, and the bandits will likely continue to
raid throughout the winter.  The Imperial Guard has had success in stopping
them when they set foot on Xanadu soil, but the Guard cannot be everywhere
at once, and the raiders have had more success than is desired.

If the Imperial Guard strikes at the bandits across the border, Palisaad
will move to war too early, before Xanadu is fully prepared.  The Captain of
the Imerial Guard, Reginald Plume, espoused the idea that Xanadu has been
gifted with a group of people who have no affiliation with the Imperium.
As such, they can strike across the border with impunity, and avoid an
international incident causing war too early.  Therefore, they have been asked
to undertake this unofficial mission against these raiders.

As follows:

Captain Plume, standing tall and stiff as a board, with a glaring
intensity in his eagle's eye, speaks very coldly, and in a
straightforward manner.
     "It seems to me as if we have in this hall a number of volunteers
who have no official association with the Imperial Guard.  It is my
opinion that we could mount an unofficially officially sactioned
action of our own, in counter.  Do I hear assent?"
     Captain Plume speaks this last as if, if each and every one of
you did not pledge to undertake this mission immediately, he
would be personally astonished.  In addition, it seems much like an
order, as it comes from not only a member of the Nobility, but the
person with the highest military rank in the Empire.

Hachiro turns to the Princess Kajiko and asks her quietly if he may
undertake such a mission.  She replies that if she were to order him, then
he would be undertaking this for the crown, and that would make it an act
of war.  Hachiro asks her personally, then, and she assents.
Hachiro:  "I would be honored, Captain Plume."

Serroli(Thunderbird): " I am willing to go battle these ruffians.
Though I have enjoyed the stay in Court, I feel I must repay the
courtesy of our hosts by doing this mission for them.  These raiders
are villianous scum, attacking helpless villagers. [ He gets a little
emotional at this point ] I feel it is my duty as a nobleman to defend
the villagers and this country."

Tarrin (piping up in a nervous voice): "I'm in.  I volunteer for
aerial reconnaissance."

Thielvar:  "Of course, Sir."

Viento: "Aye, Captain Plume.  I stand ready to defend this realm and
all it's people.  I so pledge my sword and soul."

At this, Viento bows to the Empress and sits.

There is a pause of silence, and no more pledges seem to be
forthcoming.  Captain Plume's glare intensifies, lighting on Casha and
Morgan in particular, and slightly upon Dorian (mitigated for his companion).
It is clear that he is now speaking directly to them when he says,
     "I hope you are proud that you have allowed a Domestique to outdo the
Nobility and Freeborn in a matter of courage."  Captain's Plume's opinions
of them plummets visibly.  "Being only Domestique, THEY have an excuse for
their cowardice!"  He flings a claw in the direction of Melanie and
Ecrylion Farlasa.
     "Tarrin, you and Swifteagle will begin your flight west on the morrow,
and bring us more recent news.  Hachiro and Serroli will fly guard on the
wagon, which leaves tomorrow night, as neither of you are suited for stealth.
Lady Shosharra, you will be the expedition's guide, so I >assume< your
new >companion< will travel with you as well.
    If there are any questions, or if any of you have any >sudden< changes
of heart (his tone implies both attacks of cowardice and attacks of bravery),
I can be found at my post."  He turns to the Empress, who looks a touch
peeved at his outburst.
     "Your Highness, I have much to prepare, and the main business of the High
Court has been done with.  May I be dismissed?"

Alicia:  "Certainly.  High Court is essentially at an end, save for the bells
and whistles.  I would like to remind those present that the information
imparted today is under bond of secrecy.  If there are any other questions,
now is the time, if not, all are dismissed."

Captain Plume stands at the door, and now is a time for questions.
When those are done with, the rest of the night is yours to spend.
There is the palace to wander, and the capital city right out the gates.
The time is now 8:00 in the evening.  Some people have companions and guides,
others do not, but could find them relatively easily.  Some people are just
hundering to go to the Armory and check out all the neat blades and things.

Let's hear it.

--
Roses are red,
Or pink, to my eye,
The Peach is a poofter,     Barr Warrs zap, Allesandra Kelley to
Surf Nazis Must Die!           Donna Barr, of course!