An exclusive look at the classic issue cover. Who will win in the battle for the Karm relic: the Key of Delecto? Will the Dark Prince reign for eternity, or shall the Blade of Amber claim victory? Find out, in issue #12: The Key of Delecto!

As I write this page in my journal, I am struck with the events which surround me. On the one hand, we have a new King in Amber. His Majesty Julian I appears to be exactly what is needed in these trying times: a direct and potent ruler. I am encouraged by His Majesty's ascension to the Throne. So much so, that I felt compelled to send a letter, declaring my allegiance and willingness to serve for the good of Amber. To my surprise, it was responded with an offer of Knighthood! After conferring with Her Grace Karm, and Sir Theophrastus, this seems to be transforming into a very real possibility. I look forward to the opportunity to serve my King in honor and glory.

Aside from this news, I have heard there is suspicion Corwin has secreted troops within Amber. I have spoken with His Highness, the Prince Marshal, on the willingness to devote the Blue Hussars in guard duties about the perimeter of Amber. His Highness has seen fit to issue orders that we patrol the roads for any invading force.

Such matters seem refreshingly straightforward to my mind. What vexes me terribly are the inter-House relations I am obliged to deal with. Would that we might simply see beyond pettiness and pride onto better things. Alas, this is not the vision shared by all. So, I must do as I can to bring Karm's duties and abilities to the fore whilst smoothing over other more trivial difficulties. I know not if such things are truly worthwhile - but I must deal with them in order to move forward. Guilt pricks me, that I wish all things were so easy as they are upon the battlefield. Simplicity suits me far greater than such baffling complexities of politics.

May the Unicorn show me the path, so that I may tread it in earnest.

Dear Brother,

Sepro, it has been far too long. I write to you from my convalescence - near my wits end. All around me I hear word of momentous events transpiring against the Black Road, or with the Crown, and yet I lie here useless. Useless! I am a man of action! While some may be adept at operating an empire from their desk, I am not such a one. However, my healing is progressing quickly. After more a week of traction, my legs have healed enough for walking to begin.

How fares mother, and brother Munde? I trust that your ventures are as successful as ever? It is my hope to continue my place here, with propriety and success. It seems we are in need of a jolt to the system, as it were. I feel our Great House is floundering and falling behind in its duties - if recent developments of the destrabilization around Amber are any indication. Regardless, I am hopeful, and eager to be on my feet - battling that which ills our Eternal City. I trust this letter finds you well, and hope to hear more from you soon, brother. Best wishes.

In Fraternity,
Lord Lucius Aspiro Vilnius Whinse Karm

I am posting this in the hopes that someone can help me solve my connection problems. I'll give as much detail as I can think is relevant.

I run on Win XP, and my computer is adequate enough for online gaming. It was a pretty good box about five years ago, so I don't see the hardware having and problems keeping up with mushes.

The mush client I was using was simplemu, but I've just tried MUSHclient and found the same problem.

The issue is an inexplicable lag while connected to R2A, and this lag seems to operate independently of my alts, but is present for all of them. For instance, I will have a few minutes where my commands are promptly executed on the MUSH server, and I may receive information from it without noticeable problems. But then, I will get a lump of lag where my commands won't register and I won't receive information from the server. It varies, but at its worst, I will have a few minutes of 'up' time, and 10-20 of 'down' time. Essentially, I find the state unplayable and would like to resolve it before I feel forced to retire from the mush.

I have run a traceroute to roadtoamber.com and found my latency to be good, around 65 ms. This will show even when I am in the lag state.

Does anyone understand this problem? Or have any solutions? It does not seem limited to Simplemu, and I am out of ideas. Any help would be appreciated.

Dear Lucius,

It has been all too long since we've last spoken. I hope it shant be long before we do again. I write to you on an urgent matter and require your immediate response via my courier. As you may know, I am overseeing a mining exploration concern for our great Karm in Cibola. Of late, I have heard alarming rumors of an otherworldly presence at a nearby temple. Frightened traders spoke to me of a gate sown of blood, sinew and bone which lay atop their heathen temple. While I am uncertain of the truth or baseness of this tale, I feel it demands immediate investigation. I shall proceed to this locale to discern what lies there. Please respond with your acknowledgement of this letter, and any advice you may give me, cousin. I hope that you are well.

Urgently,

Lord Valnas Weinar Dupont Karm

P.S. Please do not inform my family, as I do not wish to worry my dear mother or Eliza overmuch. They do fret, so.

Dearest Mother,

As always, it is a pleasure to commit to paper the news of my life and convey it to you. Were trade routes more regular to Lyonesse, my missives would be also. I hope that this letter finds both you and my brothers well.

Astounding news, mother! I have been appointed as acting Seneschal of House Karm. Father would not believe it, but it is truth. Lord Wyatt, Her Grace's half-brother, has been absent for some time now, and Her Grace has seen fit to fill the void of his absence with myself. It is my extreme pleasure, and great hope that I may honour the position as befits a Karm.

Karm's work has slowed in lower quarters of Amber City. I have spoken to Sir Addison Dare Feldane, the Crown's appointed mayor of the Lower City. He assures me, in no uncertain terms, that a great deal more of House Karm's assistance is required. I am excited to see the Lower City restructured under Karm's expertise and willingness. It is my feeling that we must set an example of productivity and generosity to others, especially the Great Houses. By no means do I wish to insult the great contributions of the other Houses, especially that of Mandrake whose presence by way of a charitable hospital has been a landmark in the Lower City for much longer than Karm has been so involved. However, I am concerned that others are failing to realize the significance of repairing the problems of Amber City itself. It is always foremost in my mind that the Eternal City reflects across all of reality. I am no philosopher, but it is clearly evident to my uneducated eyes that Amber's echoes are felt throughout All. It is for this reason I desire such an involvement in its repair. I am a son of Amber. It's greatness is in turn reflected upon me. Forever shall I serve it!

Sir Addison Dare Feldane vexes me so. I find the gentleman condescending, and insulting of Her Grace Karm in the most serpentine of ways. I feel his own vision has blinded him to the greatness that has deigned aid his dream. Lest his behaviour improve, I fear I shall lose my temper. I pray that day shall not come, but my fear of it gnaws. I cannot abide by such rudeness - as much as I would die should I shame this Great House.

On a happier note, my cousin Kasabian has returned to Amber from your own homeland. Perhaps you have heard of his work within His Highness's court? I use the term 'cousin' liberally, I know. However, it has become en vogue within our ranks to use such terms of familiarity. I feel it is healing rifts that have formed within the house. So many of our most active members are not natives of Amber, but from Shadows abroad. While I well know this is not a problem in nature, in practice it can cause much friction and misunderstanding. Cousins Tama and Vincenzo are examples of such difficulty. I feel they are good people, but are adjusting to the manner in which one must comport oneself within a Great House of Amber. All eyes are upon us - and so they should be.

Please send my fondest love to my brothers. I hope very much that you are well, mother. Please, tell me how matters are in Cuchlia, and greater Lyonesse. Have my brothers discovered any treasures of note? As always, I miss my family so distant across the seas. Be well.

With Love and Devotion,

Lucius Aspiro Vilnius Whinse Karm