Arcanium ~ A New World (Inactive)

Game Master BloodWolven

"You were neither harmed nor a victim of evil intentions... I thought it best if you just slept through the whole ordeal. Oh come on leave your mustache tied it was cute! Bwahahahahahah!" The sword replies.

Joe eats his unique fried egg, with trepidation.

Artemis would uncap the bottle, following Joe's lead as he downs the bottle.

Artemis I believe yours is just a glass cup.

Joe and Artemis both taste a sugary concoction. The egg has hints of egg but tastes mostly of sugar, as Artemis' drink is thick like syrup. You both feel a rush of energy and any fatigue is gone. You both feel ready to go for a long run!

Both fey have an item in front of them as well, they wait to eat it until everyone is awake and ready to go, then they each eat it and seem as energized as the rest of you.

Watching the group deal with the fey, Einar keeps his hand on the pommels of his blades. I suppose I can not judge, this isn't the same world we're from. Still... As the fey cowers and submits to the party, the teenager lets a pent up breath. "What's one more tagalong?"

As the group settles down, and his blades return to their draconic form, the young adult shucks his leather off, balling it into a pillow. "What Joe said. Feel free to keep watch, but please no binding and gagging."

Blinking the sleep out of his eye, Einar goes to rub his eyes only to feel his arms restrained behind his back. At the snicker of his dragons, he sighs. "You know, guards are supposed to warn the group of mischievous actions." Wiggling his wrists around in the binding, he reached around to the knot. It's just like the old training with the officers, except it's not handcuffs.

Rubbing his wrists, Einar stares at the empty containers around him before giving the oatmeal an even more questionable stare. After the other start eating their food, he slowly raises a spoon to his lips.

Escape Artist-Familiar song and Dance: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Einar quickly frees himself and then might enjoy the sugary explosion in his mouth, he does gain the energy boost and possibly more.

Velerait comes over and licks his hand and smiles at Einar, "See Bazizz, we need to make the knots harder to get out of..."

The cat jumps off Einar as he begins to squirm and rubs against Velerait before hiding under Jellena's chair.

Fort. Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
1d8: 1d8 ⇒ 8 NICE!
3d6: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 5) = 14

Let's see how Jellena did on her Fort save: 1d20 ⇒ 9 Nope!

With most awake and suping up, she pulls out a flask of her robe downs her own sugary syrup and gets her own buzz. "Let's go while the energy lasts!"

She bolts forwards, towards the Town of New Faces.

Fort save: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6 Nope!

He had already taken his sugary medicine and was hopping on the jello with the fey. Once the group heads out he follows at the same energized pace. Scooping up his cat as he passes the chair.

With the added boost the group sees the town of New Faces after a 10 hour trek. The energy seems to be waning as you walk up to the mostly closed outer gate of the town. The two large doors for wagons and larger animals is closed but the side door for foot traffic is still open and there is no line. Two guards wait outside and even wave at your group as you approach.

"Greetings Outsiders! No most won't recognize you, I have the gift of auras. I can tell that you are not from our world. These fey with you I suppose. Well you may freely enter but if you want the fey to go in with you it will be a silver each. The Black Raven is a good inn to stay at, there you will be safe. Also the Tempest Wolves are looking for new members into their guild. They can be found down on 4th Avenue. Tell them Bracken sends you there way. Any other information you want or directions?" He says pleasantly.

"Greetings Outsiders! No most won't recognize you, I have the gift of auras. I can tell that you are not from our world. These fey with you I suppose. Well you may freely enter but if you want the fey to go in with you it will be a silver each. The Black Raven is a good inn to stay at, there you will be safe. Also the Tempest Wolves are looking for new members into their guild. They can be found down on 4th Avenue. Tell them Bracken sends you there way. Any other information you want or directions?" He says pleasantly.

Joe takes out 20 copper pieces and hands them to the guard. "That should be enough for both fey."

Fortitude: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
1d8: 1d8 ⇒ 8
3d6: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 2) = 7
Do I get two ability score bonuses from the double 2s or just one ability score bonus? Rolling both just to be sure.
2d6: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 2) = 4
Artemis smiles and stretches, trekking forwards with the same energy everyone in the party has. As they arrive at the gate, Artemis waits for Joe's question to be answered as he thinks of a question.

The dice have spoken, you get two ability bonuses in Dexterity.

”Thanks, it sure is nice to just get the pittance from an adventurer without a squak. The Tempest Wolves is the newest guild, with only six members they realy are advertising themselves. They seem nice enough though you likely know how untempered adventurers are. What would you like to know? This is New Faces. A town where changing your race is the focus. Where new guilds start or where you can join one with minimum fees.”

The dice have spoken, you get two ability bonuses in Dexterity.

”Thanks, it sure is nice to just get the pittance from an adventurer without a squak. The Tempest Wolves is the newest guild, with only six members they realy are advertising themselves. They seem nice enough though you likely know how untempered adventurers are. What would you like to know? This is New Faces. A town where changing your race is the focus. Where new guilds start or where you can join one with minimum fees.”

But that's the thing", the paladin prodded. "Has appearance modulation always been the focus of this town? Is that the reason the town was founded? How does New Faces change your face? Does New Faces offer other types of racial alterations, like wings, or the ability to breathe underwater, or great strength?"

”Appearance... mod... modu... modulation...” You can see confusion cross his face as he tries to understand what you said. Then realization occurs and he responds as the other sentences are said, ”I don’t know the town’s history that well, even though I have lived here all my life. Though it is one of the four towns that specialize in it. You go to one of the New Face vendors whose race you want to become pay the needed resources or fee and a few hours later you are transformed into the new race. Increasing your ability scores is possible here but will take a lot longer than doing it at another town.”

Looking back to the others and nodding, Joe offered his hand to the informative guard. "Thank you very much for your time and information."
The paladin waits for anyone else who has questions. If there are no more, Joe follows the party in the town of New Faces.

”What temples or places of worship are there in New Faces?” She says piping up at the end of the interactions.

Fort Save: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

??: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Feeling a strange feeling settle over him like a blanket, Einar smashes his fist together. Not a bit of pain. Huh. Giving his dragons a quick scratch, the bladesman places his head in his palm. "You two are going to be trouble, aren't you?"

Freezing as the man reads their auras, the teenager frowns. Is he reading Chi or something else? Damn, I wish I knew how this world worked. At the mention of another race, Einar stares down at his hands, marked with scars from life. Abandon your humanity for strength? I think not.

Striding into the town with a strange confidence, the young man tugs his leather jacket tight. "I don't suppose any of you are planning on doing extreme plastic surgery?"

”Your welcome stranger, if you need help holler for ‘the guard’ city guard that is and if you go to the Tempest Wolves or the Black Raven, make sure to drop my name, Alec Bracken.”

Then answering Jellena, ”There are not many in our town. The Mistress deals with the graveyard at the far end of town. Cayden’s Hall doubles as a bar and a place to worship. Lastly, there is a magnifiecent garden and trove of trees out North of town which I have been told is for nature worshipers.” He heartily shakes Joes hand and any others who offer on the way into town.

As Joe walks into New Faces, his face lights up with the possible opportunities before him.
"Wow! A Cayden's Hall! Here!" The holy warrior marveled. "I know I'm a Lawful Good paladin, but I always preferred Cayden Cailean over stuffy Iomedae!"
"I wonder if since New Faces remakes starting races, does that mean other non-human items are also available here."
Joe frozen in his place momentarily out of excitement. "My God! There might be a chance to try elven wine..or better yet, true dwarven ale!!" The paladin's face then became slightly downcast. "Damn. And me with less than 6 gold in my pocket!"

Striding into the town with a strange confidence, the young man tugs his leather jacket tight. "I don't suppose any of you are planning on doing extreme plastic surgery?"

"Not for me", Joe admits. "I've had over 40 years to get used to this face. Maybe if New Faces was around in my awkward teenage years or early twenties. Besides I like me. I got the height of my mother's side, and the broad shoulders from my father's side." Absentmindedly, running his fingers over his scalp, the paladin wonders aloud, "Wonder if the have anything for balding hair?"

Artemis shakes Alec's hand as he walks in, "I'm sure they do, if they can change someone's race within hours, I'm sure they have non-human items and can stop balding hair..." smiling a bit at the paladin's eagerness for alcohol.

sorry all was out of town and having a gout flare up in my left hand making typing suck so didn't post yesterday.

"I have somethings from the mayor's house we can sell if anyone is interested in changing race. Having angelic blood may be cool. Will have to look into things."

Wolf, Frank didn't get the human +2 at creation as I think you wanted my strength a bit lower. What would happen if I switched to Angel blooded Aasimar that get the +2 to Str and Cha?

"I have somethings from the mayor's house we can sell if anyone is interested in changing race. Having angelic blood may be cool. Will have to look into things."

Joe looks a little surprised. "Oh, that's good! If nothing else, some extra coin will help with lodging. Anyone have any thoughts about also checking out these 'tempest wolves'?"

"I'm in. A guild could give us some benefits. If we get a reputation we could establish our own guild."

Wolf, Frank didn't get the human +2 at creation as I think you wanted my strength a bit lower. What would happen if I switched to Angel blooded Aasimar that get the +2 to Str and Cha?

You would soon find out, that the change would just be the increase of Charisma and the change of the other racial abilities.

Alec quickly follows the group exclaiming, "Oh I forgot, since this is your first time here you each get a voucher! It is good for one change of face."

Following the main road you begin counting 1st Avenue, 2nd Avenue, 3rd Avenue, then reaching 4th Avenue you look down both sides. Down about 8 buildings on the right you see a large black flag with a white relief image of a wolf head. As you wandered down the streets you see that they are bustling with life. Vendors yell back and forth summoning prospective buyers to their wares and services. All sorts of races sell and move about in the city. This town is much bigger and likely is a city. There is so much to see that you sure you miss a lot of it with the street rather full. If there is something you are looking for specifically let me know.

Arriving at the front door under the black flag with the white wolf you find it open and a halfling runs into you as you begin to enter. "Ooof, well why don't cha..." he begins to complain and then his attitude changes quickly, "Welcome, welcome to the Tempest Wolves!!! Come in put your legs up, we will get you some ale!" Quickly he and several young humans serve you some watered down ale and help each of you to seats. "How can we be helping you?" Asks the halfling.

He nods and vocally agrees, "Yes, we do need to find more money and jobs. A guild will likely be helping us with both if not more amenities."

As they enter the guild he sits and sips on the ale letting the others talk.

Jellena smirks and follows the group after taking the voucher from Alec. She looks at Joe and Frank to lead this conversation.

The paladin steps forward to bend down and extend his hand to the halfling. OH MY GOD! A HALFLING! A TRUE 'SON OF THE SHIRE'!! BE COOL, JOE! BE COOL!
"Well met, Master Halfling. I am Joe Waskalis. Alec Bracken suggested we seek out the Tempest Wolves. We are a new band of non-affiliated adventurers, newly-arrived on this world. This band has traveled from The East, seeking an adventurer's guild for us to make out start and cut our teeth. Could you please tell us more about your guild and how it operates?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 FACEPALM

Artemis would smile and take the free voucher, "Thank you," before following the rest of the group towards the tavern. As they walk down the street, Artemis would glance over at the assorted wares, looking for an affordable scope to attach to his rifle.
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 Ouch.
If Artemis doesn't see a scope during his quick search, he will just continue following the rest of the party, taking a seat besides Delman. As Joe talks to the Halfling, Artemis internally winces at the paladin's introduction, and just silently drinks a bit of his ale.

"What my friend here meant to say is we know your a new guild. Six members right? We would double your membership. So the question is what can you do for us as we are more than capable and maybe we should just start our own guild, but we like your logo so here we are."

A little good cop, bad cop style maybe :)

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10well the dice have spoke :) wow good thing this wasn't a save all 3 of us rolling 1's

"I also have a few things that need to be sold, where can I get the best rates?"

Wow! That dice roller hates us all! Let's see if I can do better.

She speaks up with a grin on her face and her silver tongue goes to work being polite and trying to influence the halfling and their group for the better for first impressions, "I am so glad to be here. It has been several days since a good rest and cold drink on my lips, thank you." With that she offers up her mug and takes a quick gulp, letting it be very visible and let any innuendo exclude from the action. "We are looking to find out about your guild, how to join, and to get to know you some before anything is written in stone." She laughs lightly at herself at the last few words hoping to disperse any tension. Then she introduces herself and the others, "I am Jellena Darkling an acolyte of the Mistress. That is Delman a chaotic warlock with his purple eyes and purple eyed familiar cat. Joe is our resident paladin. Frank leads us into battle and boosts us in the fray. Artemis and Delman hold back with ranged support. Then our three most recent additions would be Einar with the twin blades, Villineva and Bollo are fey that we helped get into town so they can change their faces to make a new beginning getting away from family drama.".

Diplomacy taking 10 for 18. A roll if you want it: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

The halfling and others nod at Joe's words and the halfling is about to answer when Frank steps into the conversation as well. You can see several of their faces cringe a bit or a bit of confusion cross their faces. The halfling begins to talk again but stops at Jellena's introduction letting her talk first as well. She puts the group at ease and dispels any tension created.

The halfling winks at Jellena and offers their introductions each one standing up at their introducution, "I can see who is the face in the group! Anyways, I am Gregarious Hillfoot bard extrodinare, leader of the Tempest Wolves. Jillian Blackfoot, halfling, is our scout and ranger. Damian Ulther Drognia is our tank with all the armor and tower shield, Sven Copperfield-Hillfoot, halfling, is our eccentric strategist and alchemist, Holly Impligoriath... sorry, she is trying a new name... Holeric Impligoriath our half elven sorcerous, and the lizardfolk in the back is Ckar Toothbreaker, claw monk. Well if you would join us as a group we would waive all the beginning fees. We would ask for 20% of any reward brought in from a quest to help support the guild hall's costs for the first month, then 10% after that. To start a guild in this town it costs 500 gp, and then you also need a proper guild hall inside the town walls. I was lucky enough to inherit this building so at the moment we just pay the monthly taxes and any repairs, which there have been several needed so far. It seems my uncle had not used it in several months before his passing."

"Anyways back on track: There are two other guilds in this town and they are connected all over Arcanium. The Adventurer's Guild is the largest guild in the world, all quest requests go to them and they send us a few they don't care to fill or if they have not been filled for some time. They charge you 500 gold as an entrance fee which is doubled at each new level which is a line of debt. Charge your debt for any equipment you need at 300% the rate of any store, though many of them have latent magical bonuses. Sure they have the best quests, awesome trainers, and the highest level adventurers but they charge you for everything!"

"The other guild is the Black Coffins, rogues, assassins, and most evil aligned adventurers go there. They control the underbellies of most cities and the black markets but at least they have codes. Think of a necessary evil that keeps most of the civilized trouble in line."

"Frank right, well if we accept you into the guild we could buy it from you or take it as consignment and Sven can sell it for you." He answers Frank bluntly.

"Right now we are civil with members and are rather laid back, letting you do what you wish. We have only four bedrooms available but if you are fine with doubling up or sleeping in here we can house you."

"Thank you for the information. Give us a few moments to discuss with the group."

Stepping away with the group for a moment.

"It seems a pretty good deal. The adventures guild has way better connections but would bleed us dry if we could even afford it now. This guild is new enough we would have a chance to mold it as we go as we would double its membership. What do you guys want to do?

"I tend to agree, Frank", Joe said in a low-tone. "Excalibur, what do you think?"

"This is your choice, but as you are asking, I don't feel any apprehension towards them. No undead or evilness so it is a go for now." The sword rumbles out.

Bollo nods to the group and asks, "I wish you best of luck with your ventures, may I go change my face now?"

Vell sips the ale and enjoys just sitting with the rest of you.

"Well I am not a fan of evil people or debt, so this looks like the best option. A free roof over our head sounds good." Delman confers with the group as he pets his familiar.

She whispers a bit darkly, "I wouldn't mind taking over the guild... Oh did I say that out loud?" She scoffs and adds in her normal tone, "I think this would be a nice guild to join!"

Joe walks back over to the halfling bard. "Well, Mr. Hillfoot. you have a deal. Our band wishes to join the Tempest Wolves."

Artemis takes a glance at Joe and Frank before looking at Bollo, "I believe your free to go Bollo," Artemis thinks for a second. "Take care, and I wish you the best of luck," soon cracking a friendly smile at the fey.

"Hold just a moment Bolo. I wouldn't want something to happen before we see you make your change. Allow us to escort you. Mr. Hillfoot we will return shortly soon as we see our job here through. I assume we are safe enough if others of you have business lets break and meet back here in say 2 hours or so for lunch. I will escort Bollo if anyone wishes to join. I may or may not look into making a change myself. If any of us makes the change we need a pass phrase for when we meet back for lunch something from our world perhaps. How about "Leroy!!! Jenkins!!!"" He smiles to the group

Joe looks a nearby window. "More like early dinner. We burned much of the day on travel here. But yes, I go with you to make sure Bollo's settled."
The paladin quickly scans the voucher for what it offers and any hidden fees, or legal double-talk.

"I am going to take a long nap..." He speaks with the halfling leader some about what rooms are available and follows their new leader to the room.

"I like it Frank, Lerrrrroyy Jeeenkiiiiinssss!" She says with excellent expression and impersonation. Then humming lightly to herself she adds, "I will tag along too. You never know what you might find" Voucher in one hand and the other on Vell's arm leading him with the group out to the vendors.

In two hours it would actually be late dinner, as you got to the town about 7 pm, as dusk began.

Bollo waits and goes with the three of you and the other fey. Others might follow too. As you get on the streets you can see that there are just a few walkers on the road and most vendors are closing up shop. There are still many buildings that advertise the change into a new race. Some even have specifics looks painted on their doors or walls.

Bollo asks, "What race would you suggest, he asks more of Frank than the others."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15
Looking to the late hour, Joe is a little relieved. Any change in his appearance should be taken with great thought.
"I'm not sure if there's time for anything at this hour. Bollo, maybe you should think about your possible choices overnight."

Artemis just sighs at the passphrase, "Does it have to be that, I'm sure we can find a passphrase that is a bit more... discrete." As the party heads out, Artemis bites his lip and looks at the voucher before sighing. Heading towards Sven, Artemis would take a seat beside him before look at him, "So... Sven is it? I heard your the alchemist here, and I'm curious to know a bit more about you."

"Hmm."
As the paladin takes in the darkening surrounding, Joe conducts an mental experiment.
Okay, Excalibur. The reason I asked for your opinion on joining the Tempest Wolves is two-fold, thought the holy warrior.
One - you are not just a magical sword, but a sentient magical item and my partner. And as my partner, you should have as much say in the team as I do. You have seen way more sunsets than I have, and I'm sure you have mountains of experience to share and for me to absorb.
And two - I know if I didn't ask for your opinion, you would most likely whine and complain that I didn't ask for your opinion in the first place.
Now to see if this telepathic experiment worked, I would ask that you give me your best bird call. Any avian mammal will do.

”What do you want to know.?” The halfling asks eyeing you with interest and shouts, ”That is a boomstick on your back isn’t it!?”

The halflings are great hosts and have you each settled rather quickly. Holly offered Jellena to have the spare bed in her room and that leaves the rest of you to pair off. Vell asks Frank if he could share the same room as him. Bollo waits for instructions.

The night passes uneventful for the group and find a meager breakfast prepared of mush and slices of sausage in the main hall.

The sword lets out a pretty good interpretation of a bird chirping. DC 15 perception check and you know it came from the sword otherwise you might just look around for a bird.