Patternfall MUSH is an internet role-playing game based on the Amber Chronicles by the later Roger Zelazny. In the Amber genre, all things that can be imagined can exist, but all things except Amber and the Courts of Chaos are Shadows, not "Real." Those people of Amber and Chaos are the creators of all Shadows (both people and places), whether consciously or unconsciously.

The society of this genre is remarkably Machiavellian. Everyone wants to be one step ahead of everyone else. Everything is seen through the eyes of politics and a great power struggle. Amber seeks to be recognized as more powerful than the Courts of Chaos and vice-versa. Likewise, the royals and nobles of both Realms work to move ahead of their family and associates. Always, there is far more going on "under the table" than in the open. The trick is to find out what is going on behind your back before you find a blade imbedded between your shoulderblades.

Some five years ago, as we humans calculate time, there was a great war between Amber and the Courts of Chaos. Amber's army was victorious in the matter, and returned home secure in the knowledge that they had defeated Chaos. Since then, there has been much talk between the two Realms as Amber attempted to give proof that it was, indeed, on equal ground with Chaos. Even today, these talks between Amber and Chaos continue with no official treaty having yet been signed.

Aside from these major power-plays between the two Realities, life for the people is normal and peaceful (for their respective Realms). For Shadows, life continues as it always has, presently with no threat of ultimate destruction from their creators.

On Patternfall MUSH, I play three characters whom I will mention. Those characters are: Fiona Barimen, a Princess of Amber and daughter to the first King of Amber; Katyana Jesby, a Chaosian from the noble House of Jesby; and Lady Brianna Tharn Moonstorm, presently the head of House Tharn of Amber while her brother Charl "matures."