WARNING! WARNING!
This page contains many spoilers for the Blood Loyalties PBP game. Other players of that game are encouraged to not read this information. It is primarily here as a reference for the GM and Garvey, as well as lurkers.
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Caliban's Weir Cheatsheet
Trumps of many of the people described here can be found here.
Many of the tribes, people, and places described below have Irish names. Where possible I've included a translation of the name so as to give more flavor to the setting.
The AnnaghDestroyed Irish Meaning: a marsh
This tribe was wiped out long ago while Fanelia still florished, but
none are sure of the reasons. Little is remembered of the Annagh.
The Bengorm Irish Meaning: blue peak
This tribe is a strong ally of Caliban and the Shantallow. The
homelands of the tribe are in the mountains of New Fanelia. They tend
to be very spritual and have a large number of shamans and singers in
their tribe. They tend to keep to the mountains and are known to
frequent the paths between New Fanelia and Mount Kolvir.
Established Members of the Bengorm
The Children of the Raven
Aisling
Female, Shaman
Irish Meaning: dream or vision
She has some unknown history with Caliban, and is a high ranking
member of the Raven pack. She is the sister of Ealga, and daughter of
Nevan. Her wolf form has black fur with grey flecks, and a white X
upon the face.
Ealga
Female, Singer
Irish Meaning: noble
Leader of the Raven pack, and of the Bengorm tribe. She is the
daughter of Nevan, and was the mate of Tadhg, with whom she had 2
children. Her wolf form is black with grey flecks.
Matthias
Male
Irish Meaning: Irish form of Matthew
A fat Weir who grates on Caliban's nerves. He loves telling
stories, though he often stretches the truth a bit.
Neven
Male, Singer?, Deceased
Irish Meaning: little saint
Leader of the Bengorm before his death, and father of Aisling and
Ealga. He died in the sealing of the Dream Wraiths.
Tadhg
Male, Singer, Deceased
Irish Meaning: Poet
Mate of Ealga, with whom he fathered two pups. He fought bravely
in the war of the Black Road, but his true fame comes from his poems,
ballads and songs, which were renowned across many tribes. He died a
year after the Black Road War, murdered.
The Cargan Irish Meaning: little rock
This medium sized tribe is very nomadic and does not have a single
homeland for their tribe. It is thought that they have many singers
but this is hard to confirm as the Cargan tend to be fairly secretive.
They like to prowl around the edges of human society and are often
seen as scavengers by some Weir. They are the least popular tribe as
they are seen to think of the humans as superior. Of all the tribes
the Cargan are the one most likely to be found in human cities while
not at war with humans.
The Corlea Irish Meaning: a grey round hill
This is a small tribe and not very powerful. Recently the last singer
of the tribe died and none have been born since with the talent. They
were strong supporters of Caliban and Eric and still wish to follow a
road to peace.
The Dreen Irish Meaning: blackthorn
This medium tribe dwells with the realms of Shadow known as Arden and
was at almost constant warfare with the rangers there. They are some
of the cleverest and fastest of the Weir, and can even escape the
legions of hellhounds residing there. They tend to oppose Amber, but
did enjoy a joyful peace with Prince Julian during the alliance with
Eric. They are still on uneasy terms with Julian but the peace from
the alliance still seems to be in place. During the Patternfall war,
the Dreen were among the fiercest fighters and for their valor they
earned great respect from the other tribes, and especially Caliban.
Their valor might be one of the reasons Julian has not started hunting
them down again.
The EnnisDestroyed Irish Meaning: a meadow along a river
This was a fairly peaceful and spritual tribe. It is said they were
all in Fanelia for a great meeting to decide on a course for peace
when Oberon destroyed the holy land. Opponents of Amber often site
their deaths as a reason to go to war.
The Glenanair Irish Meaning: glen of slaughter
This tribe most opposes Caliban's leadership and was the last to agree
to the alliance with Eric. They believe in the superiority of the
Weir and the fall of Man. The Glenanair are very aggressive to
humans, and it is often said that they prefer to feast on the flesh of
man above all else. (This is not cannibalism from their point of
view; humans are like sheep or cows to them). The home of this tribe
is unknown to Caliban. Since Eric's fall they have begun more raids
on Amber's allies. They are thought to be one of the largest tribes
(tied with the Shantallow).
The IllanLost in Shadow Irish Meaning: an island
This tribe left the realms of Amber sometime after Oberon destroyed
Fanelia. Their leader was a great singer and claimed to hear a pure
songline that he said would lead to the salvation of the Weir. He
claimed that any tribe that did not follow him would be consumed in
the coming darkness. The members of his tribe all embarked on a
pilgrimage deep into Shadow, away from Amber, (which is very difficult
for Singers). No other singers, even of the Illan tribe, could hear
the 'pure' songline that the Illan followed. It thought that the
leader of the Illan was insane and led his people to their deaths in
Shadow. The leader's name was Gall, and to this day getting lost is
often referred to as "hearing Gall's song".
Established Members of the Illan
Gall
Male, Deceased
Irish Meaning: rooster (perhaps)
Gall was the leader of the Illan and led the entire tribe deep
into shadow. This was so long ago though that it must be assumed that
Gall is now dead, even if his tribe survived the trip into shadow.
The NewryDestroyed Irish Meaning: yew tree at head of the strand
This tribe was wiped out in one of the internal civil wars among the
Weir that occured after the great war with Amber.
The Oran Irish Meaning: cold spring
This tribe tends to be politically neutral and keeps to itself.
Lately they have come under attack by the humans in the shadow in
which they dwell, and have called upon Caliban for aid. Their tribal
homeland is in the same shadow as the Golden Circle realm of Begma.
Established Members of the Oran
Aodhan
Male
Irish Meaning: diminutive of Aed, meaning "fire"
Aodhan is the leader of the Oran pack that committed the Begman massacre.
Cathal
Male
Irish Meaning: strong in battle
Cathal led the war party that committed the Begman massacre.
The ScarvaDestroyed Irish Meaning: a rugged shallow ford
This was a very aggressive tribe, which is often thought to be
responsible for the great war with Amber. Almost all members of this
tribe died in the war. The survivors joined other tribes.
The Shantallow Irish Meaning: old land
This is the tribe to which Caliban belongs. It has traditionally been
one of the leading tribes of the Weir. The Shantallow have also been
one of the larger tribes of Weir and were the ones approached by Eric
for the alliance. They have lost much face since Eric's fall, but are
still respected by most of the tribes. Recently the Glenanair have
opposed them for leadership.
A Recent Family Tree of the Shantallow
Established Members of the Shantallow
Shantallow d'Caliban
Anlon
Male, Singer in training
Irish Meaning: Great Champion
Anlon is a young pup in the
pack, only 12 years old. He has a very strong talent for Singing and
is being trained by Eavan. His mother, Brona, died in the betrayal on the
Black Road and while he is being raised communily by the pack, Caliban
feels responsible for the loss and thinks of Anlon as his own child.
It is unknown who Anlon's father was; as he was concieved during the
night of the Joining and the delirium of the twin moons overtook many
on that night, including Caliban.
Brona
Female, Singer, Deceased
Irish Meaning: Sorrow
A singer. Died in at the betrayal on the Black Road. She had red
hair, green eyes and was considered very beautiful, though her beauty
was always shadowed by that of her older sister, Duvessa. She has
always held a special place in Caliban's heart, and rivilary over her
caused some tension between Caliban and Grendel. She concieved her
only son, Anlon, during the night of the joining when the delirium of
the twin moons overtook her. It is not clear who the father is as
Brona never took a mate.
Cahir
Male, Deceased
Irish Meaning: Warrior
Died in at the betrayal on the Black Road. Not originally of the
Shantallow. He joined the tribe when he was a teenager for reasons
only revealed to a few, including Caliban. He was also the youngest
of Caliban's war pack that he took to the Black Road.
Caliban
Male, Amberite
This is Garvey's PC. Caliban is the leader of the Shantallow and
effective leader of the Weir, though his control of the seven
tribes has faded since the end of the Black Road War. He is the son
of Saorla and Eric of Amber.
Celia
Female
Irish Meaning: Little Blind One
One of the Weir who serves as Caliban's personal guard.
Duvessa
Female, Shaman
Irish Meaning: Dark Beauty
The aspiring shaman for the pack. A Weir of unsurpassed beauty.
Widowed when Molan was killed. She was a student of Sidhe and will no
doubt assume the position of pack shaman when Caliban's grandmother
dies. Several months after Molan's death, Duvessa gave birth to
twins, Morna and Miach.
Eavan
Female, Singer
Irish Meaning: Fair Form
Eavan is now the second in command of Caliban's pack, and has high
esteem within the tribe. It is a position that was previously held by
Molan before he died on the Black Road, but even then Eavan commanded
great power within the pack. She is a few years older than Caliban and
is his closet friend. She would often lead the pack when he was
called to Amber. She is also the Singer of the pack, though she is
considered the second Singer since Caliban normally leads the pack
through shadow. Caliban trusts her above all others. Eavan has long
black hair which she often ties back in a braid and tan skin. She has
dark brown eyes and tends to be fairly serious in public but in
private she has been known to much more lighthearted. She is also
known for secretly plotting practical jokes, though she would always
deny it.
Fiach
Male, Deceased
Irish Meaning: Raven
Died in at the betrayal on the Black Road.
Fionn
Male
Irish Meaning: Fair
Fionn is one of Caliban's spy. He is very flirtatious, and while
not remarkably attractive to Weir standards, seems to have an uncanny
way with Human women. This is probably due to a combination of the
natural Weir predatory nature and a unique quality that Fionn
possesses. He is a deep mole within many Golden Circle Realms, but
spends most of his time in Juniper.
Grendel
Male
A close childhood friend of Caliban, who has seemingly changed
since the great shadow storm passed. He is just a few months younger
than Caliban. He was born with silver fur, a bad sign among the Weir.
Recently, he has become a bit of a thorn in Caliban's side. He
clearly believes that Caliban is not truely loyal to the Weir and
serves Amber. He has been urging Caliban and Eavan to move aganist
Amber. There has been talk that he is considering moving to another
pack come the next Joining, and that he may eventually challenge for
leadership. He is a mighty warrior and tracker. Before the end of
the war he and Caliban were on good terms but since the great shadow
storm he seems to have changed. Caliban thinks the storm might have
altered him in some way, though this might just be a case of denial.
Jana
Female, Deceased
Irish Meaning: feminine form of John, Hebrew meaning 'God has favoured'
Died in at the betrayal on the Black Road.
Lark
Male
Lark is Caliban's older half brother, and also serves as his
mentor. He was badly injured in the war by Chaos forces, which
crippled his left arm, and then in the Shadow Storm. The storm, or
possibily Caliban's efforts to save the Weir, changed Lark somehow.
His fur/hair has become white and he has become blind, whereas before
he had black fur/hair. His human skin has also become very pale. In
secret he has told Caliban that he can still see but what he sees does
not appear to be the world he is in, and that it is as if he is
looking through a pool of water. Caliban is afraid that Lark's mind
might have been damaged. He still serves as an advisor to Caliban.
Liam
Male
Irish Meaning: Irish form of William
One of the Weir who serves as Caliban's personal guard.
Miach
Male
Irish Meaning: (name of the son of the pagan Irish god, Diabcecht)
The son of Molan and Duvessa, born after his father's death. The
Shantallow d'Caliban have high hopes for the boy. He is only one and a
half years old at the present though, but all hope he will grow to be
as strong as his father. He has a twin sister Morna.
Molan
Male, Deceased
Irish Meaning: servant of storm
Killed at the betrayal on the Black Road. He was one of the
mightest warriors among the Weir. He was married to Duvessa and
unknown to him at the time of his death, he sired two two children,
Miach and Morna.
Morna
Female
Irish Meaning: beloved
The daughter of Molan and Duvessa, born after her father's death.
The Shantallow d'Caliban have high hopes for the girl. She is only
one and a half years old at the present though. She has a twin
brother Miach.
Saorla
Female, Singer, Presumed Dead
Irish Meaning: noble queen
Caliban's mother and mate of Eric of Amber. She was a skilled
singer and the leader of the Shantallow. She never returned from a
secretive mission that Eric sent her on.
Sidhe
Female, Shaman
Irish Meaning: "fairy palace"
Caliban's grandmother and one of the oldest living members of the
Shantallow, and the oldest in the pack. She is the chief shaman for
the pack and the tribe. She is very weak and spends all of her time
at Ballinacor, except during the Joining when she travels to Kincora
to aid in the ceremonies. She, too, is one of Caliban's close
advisors, though he feels she often councils him too much to return to
the old ways and abandon the Amber part of him. She seems to regret
the old alliance with Eric though she does seem to care for Caliban.
Shantallow d'Maeve
Maeve
Female
Irish Meaning: perhaps 'intoxicating one'
Leader of her small pack, which seperated to avoid some sort of conflict.
Naal
Male
Irish Meaning: perhaps from Latin 'birth'
Accused of Tadhg's murder.
The Lost OnesDestroyed Even their name has been forgotten. Some say that King Oberon
destroyed them long ago and used magic so powerful that all traces and
memories of them have been erased. More skeptical Weir say they never
existed at all and are just a wild myth spread by those wishing to
invent reasons to go to war.
Irish Meaning: the town of the weir
This is the name of the fortress in New Fanelia in which Caliban and his pack live.
Begma
The Golden Circle Realm that is home to the Oran tribe.
Bres
The ancient foe of Tyris and Mohad, now defeated.
Fanelia
This was the mythical homeland of the Weir. It was destroyed at
the end of the great war with Amber. It is said that Oberon has a
punishment for the war wiped the shadow out of existence. The tribe
of the Ennis were completely destoyed by this as they were all
gathered together in the Fanelia when it happened.
Gall's Song
"Hearing Gall's song" is a saying in the Weir for getting lost.
It refers to Gall, leader of the Illan who led his tribe into shadow
causing them to be lost forever.
Gransha
A sport played by the Weir, resembling a combination of soccer and
basketball.
The Joining
Once a year in New Fanelia, the twin moons are both full and in
ascent at the same time. This marks the celebration known as the
Joining, to which all Weir attend. It is always held in Kincora. At
this time, the Weir become even more wild than usual. The celebration
is a great fertility festival, but on a few occasions it has become a
little violent. The twin moons mean that the Weir heal much more
often and faster in New Fanelia, so the occasional violence at the
festival causes few lasting wounds or deaths.
Juniper
A technological Golden Circle Shadow, which had acquired an ancient Weir book. Fionn is a spy assigned to this realm. No magic exists there, but they have developed some mechanical robots.
Kincora
Irish Meaning: the head or hill of the weir
This is the area of New Fanelia where the Weir gather for the joining and other tribal celebrations. It is a sacred area for the Weir.
Mohad
A legendary Weir. Tyris and Mohad were said to be lovers and
founders of the Weir. One of the moons in New Fanelia is named after
Mohad.
Mohad's Milk
This is one of the preferred beverages of the Weir, drunk instead
of coffee. It is an extremely strong cold drink made from roots and
herbs. It strongly resembles the Shadow Earth drink of Ginger Beer,
but it far less appetizing. It is strong enough to make most shadow
folk sick to their stomaches. To the Weir temperment it is quite
good. Due to Caliban's time in the Royal Castle, the beverage has
become known there, but under the name, "Monken's Mead", as a clear
insult to the Weir. Caliban isn't sure who gave the beverage that
name, but he suspects Julian.
Monken's Mead
The name by which Mohad's Milk is known in Castle Amber.
Naming Day
A Weir celebration, similar to a birthday, which celebrates the day that a Weir was given his or her name. Presents are apparently a tradition.
New Fanelia
This is a shadow (or perhaps the real
thing) of Fanelia found/created by Caliban. It is the tribal homeland
now for both the Shantallow and Bengorm. New Fanelia has two moons, the same as Fanelia of old. The moons are called Tyris and Mohad, after the legendary founders of the Weir. One of the moons is almost always in the sky. Once a year both moons are full in the sky at the same time. This event is a great celebration of life, called the Joining.
The Rea
Irish Meaning: A course mountain flat.
The Rea Mountains are the home to most of the Bengorm tribe in New
Fanelia. The mountain is laden with false paths and traps to stop
invaders. Only by knowing the way of the Bengorm, finding the right
scents and following the hidden markers can one safely enter the realm
of the Bengorm.
The Rose
This is the Weir's name for Corwin, Prince of Amber. He led the war aganist the Weir and was responsible with his silver sword for the slaughter of countless Weir. He is universally hated by all Weir and if encountered without his sword he would be instantly attacked by almost all Weir.
The Sealing
The battle that aganist the Dream Wraiths, which resulted in them
being sealed in a cave in the Rea.
Singer
A Weir who can hear and follow the songlines. It is an innate talent for many Weir but requires training to develop. The Singers are responsible for leading the other Weir through shadow and for maintaining communications with other packs and tribes. Singers are identified when they hit puberty by their unique songs and voices as well as their ability to 'hear things'. They often rise to positions of leadership among the Weir.
Tyris
A legendary Weir. Tyris and Mohad were said to be lovers and
founders of the Weir. One of the moons in New Fanelia is named after
Tyris.
We lay there a while longer and three men entered the campsite
and looked about. Then two of them bent down and sniffed at the
ground.
Then they looked in our direction.
"Weir," whispered Random, as they moved in our direction.
I saw it happen, though only in shadow. They dropped to all
fours and the moonlight played tricks with their gray garments.
Then there were the six blazing eyes of our stalkers.
I impaled the first wolf on my silver blade and there was a
human howl. Random beheaded one with a single blow, and to my
amazement, I saw Deirdre raise one in the air and break its back
across her knee with a brittle, snapping sound.
"Quick, your blade!" said Random, and I ran his victim through,
and hers, and there were more cries.
Nine Princes in Amber (GBoA pg 47)
I had called him my page all that while, and when the wars
beckoned, against the dark things out of Shadow called
Weirmonken, I made him my squire, and we had ridden off to the
wars together.
Nine Princes in Amber (GBoa pg 103)
The Weir are tribal shape shifters living in the shadows
nearby Amber. Even the Weir are unclear as to where they came from
originally or if they have always living in this region, though their
shamans and scholars have many differing tales to tell. On a least
one occasion they have attempted to invade Amber, though they are more
traditionally raiders who prey upon Amber and other surrounding
kingdoms. At the end of the Great War with Amber, Oberon destroyed
their religious homeland of Fanelia. The practice of of raiding
almost completely ceased when the Weir allied with Eric, but has
recently started again. Caliban can control his own tribe for the most
part, but has had trouble with some of the other tribes. He is
constantly urging for peace among the Weir, but lately the Weir have
felt more betrayed as the alliance between them and Eric did not
result in the seperate nation for the Weir that they had envisioned.
Advantages
Shapeshifting (Wolf and Human form only)
Weir can change between Human and Wolf form. There are no other
shapes (such as a hybrid shape) that they can take. The wolves that
they transform into are larger and stronger than regular wolves. In
addition the Weir have human voices while wolves, so if they are
struck down you will hear the cry of a human, rather than that of a
wolf. They can still howl though it not a rich language, and there
are but a few dozen different howls that Weir can use to
communicate. They tend to have deep husky voices as both humans and
wolves.
Enhanced Senses/Fighting The Weir also have very keen senses. They have an excellent sense
of smell and superb hearing, even when in human form. The Weir are
also very able fighters, though they are no match for an Amberite in a
one on one fight. These abilities make the Weir formidable warriors
in either form.
Enhanced Vitality and Speed The Weir draw a supernatural level of energy from the power of
moonlight. While they are under a moonlit sky, they do not
tire. Period. In addition, they can run at a moderately accelerated
pace - about double speed in human form, and triple speed when in wolf
form. This does not apply to combat maneuvers, merely distance
running. Terrain might affect these speeds slightly, but in either
form, Weir have an affinity for finding the best footing.
Regeneration The largest advantage of the Weir is their healing
ability though. Even after beheading one, Random wants Corwin to run
it through with his sword, Grayswandir. Weir can regenerate from almost any wound
in relatively short periods of time. The
Weir that were killed by Corwin and company probably would have been
up and about in less than an hour, at which point they could have
tracked them down and called for reinforcements.
Even decapitation doesn't kill a Weir - it merely
unleashes their pure bestial side. Such wounded Weir are very
difficult to contain as they often cannot tell friend from foe, and
attack all those around them. As the regeneration process works
though and the head is regrown (or reattached as the case may be), the
Weir begins to regain more control. Losing one's head is a very
disorienting for a Weir as well...
This healing ability only works at night while the moon shines. If a Weir is 'killed' during the day, but the body is not dispatched in the correct manner then at night when the moon is out the Weir will rise again, fully healed. For this reason the Weir operate mostly at night, and only while the moon is in the sky.
Disadvantages
Vulnerability to Silver The Weir have an extreme susceptibility to silver. Silver weapons
do deadly amounts of damage to them from which they will not heal with
their regeneration. Running them through with a silver sword will
kill them every time. While normal bullets do little to hurt them at
night, silver bullets will quickly dispatch the Weir. This
vulnerability has also made the Weir was very suspicious of machinery.
Social Problems (This is not strictly a part of Weir Heritage)
The Weir also are rumored to be demons, perhaps of Chaos origin,
although this has never been established. If this is so then they
might also be vulnerable to Pattern weapons and demonic binding
spells. These rumors, along with the Weir's history of being raiders,
and having attacked Amber, give the Weir serious social
difficulties. They are universally hated by the populace of Amber and
the neighboring kingdoms, and their lives are usually forfeit without
any cause. For this reason the Weir typically keep to themselves and
stay away from most populated areas.
Moon Rage The Weir tend to become more violent and primal in nature during
the full moon. This is not a overpowering rage, but does cause them
to become more emotional and more likely to strike out at those who
anger them. The full moon is also the traditional mating period of
the Weir, as their sexual desires become more heightened. Venturing
uninvited into Weir territory during the full moon is a sure way to
invite attack; several 'accidents' that have occurred during the full
moon have encourage various realms to raise the flag of war against
the Weirmonken clans.
The Smell of the Predator (Animal Distrust)
Despite considering themselves creatures of natures, the Weir
themselves interact very poorly with animals. Wild creatures seem to
sense the predatory nature of the Weir despite the form that the Weir
takes. This does not prevent the Weir from hunting, but keeps them
from having pets or trained animals. Even most domesticated animals
sense the predator in the Weir. The more intelligent the animal the
slower the animal will realize the nature of the Weir. Many humans
tend to dislike Weir but are not able to articulate why. This
prevents the Weir from being able to ride horses or travel with those
who do, unless the other riders have extremely well trained horses.
This is a short description of the Weir Singers, and their abilities, so we have some common reference as their abilities. Feel free to change or modify any of this.
Prerequisite Weir Heritage (?)
The 'Hearing'
This is the most basic ability of the Singers, that allows them to
hear the songlines. Songlines appear to run throughout shadow but
seem to be very concentrated near Amber. They function as roads
between shadows, but they are ever changing and moving. Two songlines
within the same shadow might several days apart. Often many songlines
will come together in a nexus that the Singers call a Chorus. The
Choruses are considered to places of great power. Singers can hear
the songlines and can locate them even from afar. They can also tell
how strong a songline is, which is often an indication as to how often
it is used. The shadows around Amber are often filled with hundreds
or thousands of songlines, though most are very weak. It is much
easier to use a stronger songline than a weaker one. Songlines and
especially choruses also seem to attract other mystic creatures,
sorcerers and other travelers.
Singing the Songline
Singers can sing along songlines as a method of communication between
Singers. Of course only other Singers can hear these songs. The
Singer must be a songline when they begin to sing. The song then
reverberates along the Songline and other Singers that are near the
songline can hear the song. The song can hours, days or even weeks to
be heard depending upon how far away the hearer is located. The song
takes time to travel along the songline and as it travels it distorts
slightly, so it is harder to understand the farther away one gets from
the source. The other limitation is that the details of the
communication can be limited, though is normally possible to identify
the singer if one is familiar with them. This ability is often used
to send messages about great celebrations, danger, or summons. A
skilled Singer can also attempt to follow a song back to it source.
Since the songs are reverberations in the songlines they can be heard
for many days before they fade away.
Following the Songlines Singers can follow the songlines and lead a few others
(but not whole armies) though shadow with them. They can only follow
the songlines and cannot go to new places where the songlines do not
go. They must also go to the location of the songline itself to begin
to follow it. The songline will then lead them through shadow along
its path. Singers often know great maps of songlines and will
transfer through several shadows switching songlines many times. This
ability also allows the Singers to follow Amberites who are shadow
walking, as such movement seems to great songlines, though these can
often disappear quite quickly. Hellrides create even stronger
songlines and are easier to follow. Shadow paths also tend to be
strong songlines. The more often a songline is used the stronger it
becomes, and the easier it is to find and follow. Songlines that are
unused can change, move or disappear over time, and new songlines can
also appear.
It is very difficult for a Singer to travel away from Amber as so many
of the Songlines tend to go and around Amber. In fact it is thought by
some Weir that the Pattern of Amber might be responsible for the
creation of the songlines and that it might be singing some great
song. Others, such as Caliban, have wondered if perhaps the Singers
are just shadow reflections of the Amberites and their Pattern and
Trump abilities. Singers have a much easier time going to familiar
territory and have a very difficult time exploring new
areas. Traveling along the Songlines requires movement, much like
hellriding, and is slower than Pattern shadow walking. There are also
many areas where songlines do not seem to go. They are much rarer
inside of buildings and especially in metal buildings (such as metal
vaults). They are much more common outside and in the wilderness. The
few Singers who have taken to the sea claim they are teaming with
songlines, but they are difficult to travel on boat.
Song Weaving In the event that a Singer is stranded where there are no
Songlines, they can 'create' new songlines (or possibly pull existing
ones). This can take hours, days or weeks to do depending on the
psyche of the Singer and the location of the Weaver. (Is it easier or
harder near Amber?). It isn't clear where the new songline will go,
but it will probably join up with other Songlines where the Singer
will have more choice and maneuverability.