Arcanium ~ A New World (Inactive)

Game Master BloodWolven

As the oracle and her young king wait for the return of the scouting parties, Joe asks Jellena, "So how come you wanted to stay behind until the meeting? Is there something you'd like to talk about?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30

"Nothing in particular. I just thought you shouldn't be left behind alone." She simply states as she paruses her giant floating book. She closes it and tries sitting on it. Then after it falls to the ground she gets up and it floats again, she points out, "Since we are alone I should point out a few things. You do know that Adora is vieing for your attentions as she is looking for a strong equal match. The girl and her brother or sister at that town next to the river, we promised to return. I know I said I wanted to be your councilor but I don't think that will work. I have many temples I need to go visit and the Library to oversee, possibly getting that town started again."

"Nothing in particular. I just thought you shouldn't be left behind alone." She simply states as she paruses her giant floating book.

The new monarch smiles wide, thankful for his friendship with the oracle.

"Since we are alone I should point out a few things. You do know that Adora is vieing for your attentions as she is looking for a strong equal match. The girl and her brother or sister at that town next to the river, we promised to return."

Looking around the see if any soldier are nearby listening, Joe responds. "I am aware. Now that I have some idea of just how HUGE Avalon is as a country, I realized that as a unmarried king of a huge country; I've just become the most eligible bachelor in all of Arcanium! Everyone, from noble houses to humble shoemakers, will introduce me to their unmarried sisters, daughters and cousins. It will be a nightmare."

"I know I said I wanted to be your councilor but I don't think that will work. I have many temples I need to go visit and the Library to oversee, possibly getting that town started again."

The paladin nods. "It will be a shame to lose you as an official councilor, but I understand. I'm afraid it's too late for me to not take so much on my plate, and you're wise enough to see the larger scope of The Oracle of The Mistress. Still, I may need the ear of my 'spiritual advisor' now and again." King Joseph smiles wide once more.

"Yes you are going to find yourself hunted by the female population soon enough. I don't know where Eternia is located. Honestly I don't think I know where Avalon is located. Don't worry Joe, I will never be very far away. Also at the moment and until she draws me away I am all yours." She happily says and plays with you a bit with the innuendo.

"I will never be very far away. Also at the moment and until she draws me away I am all yours." She happily says and plays with you a bit with the innuendo.

"I'll keep that in mind", Joe ended with a wink.

Artemis just stretches a little as he goes through the portal, soon turning back towards the rest of the party, "So... shall we head off to our lunch meeting and get some information or do ya'll want to do something real quick?"

"What did you have in mind? I don't have a phone any longer so I have no idea what time it is. Though I'm getting hungry so probably been around 3-4 hours since I had breakfast. So it's likely pretty close to lunchtime."

Frank looks up and sees that the sun is near noon. Artemis you still have your phone right? Also it is fully charged always.

Delman shrugs his shoulders, "If the meeting was at noon then we should head over to him soon."

... its what? Huh, that certainly makes a lot of things possible now.

Artemis just pauses, checking his phone for the time before pocketing it away, "I mean... I had nothing in mind, I just thought you guys might... and we probably should begin heading over..." Artemis says idly, before gesturing at Frank to lead the way.

The three of you help the 20 or so ex bandits get out of the Temple of Death without any problems. They just being to loiter around looking to one of the older bandits who says, "Just sit still the princess will be along shortly, she has plans for us."

Frank do you remember where he said to meet?

The Green Dragons and the Crimson Griffons return about the same time they each left the bandit camp together then split to cover more ground. They return with reports of wilderness, there were a few farmsteads that were small and unaffected by the bandits. It seems their goal was Filderson. They did round up a few bandits that were still in the area.

This was several hours after Frank left.

"Alright", King Joseph said, standing up to address his men. "Dragons and Griffins, well done. Get ready for the journey back to Camelot. Queen Adora, I shall leave a quarter of the castle guards with you and The Mayor to assist in keeping peace while Filderson gets back on it's feet. We'll be making our way back to the waypoint in fifteen minutes."

"With the Wall guards in tip top shape and this crew I have working in the camp here, I should be good, but any help will be welcome! Good day!" She announces waves as Joe leaves with his soldiers and Jellena.

King Joseph smiles inwardly. No grand romantic gesture, just a report and thanks. Good, thinks the monarch. As the company gets close to the waypoint, Joe says his goodbyes to Jellena. "Try and get everyone back. Or if they wish to stay in New Faces tonight, send a message. You still have my cellphone number?"

Within an hour you are halfway to the waypoint. Within another you are upon your throne. Jellena went to New Faces to join the meeting with the rest of the Night Hawks. Arelius has been busy and has only two things for you to make decisions on. The first is a boy, left by Sir Frank, who wanted Galahad to Apprentice him. Galahad is off heading to Filderson and who knows when he will get back.

The second is the orphanages, they need food, the building restoration, healing of diseases, and funding. We can make a budget cut of military, roads, or cancel your coronation for another month. They each have their own problems but if the orphanages don't get help soon it will be bad!

The young king barely had a moment to sit down before Aerlius discusses the remaining issues to the day. Joe smiled to himself. Weary is the head who wears the crown, the paladin thinks.
"Galahad is making his way to Filderson not by waypoint?" The king questions. "The boy will temporarily be assigned to a knight in good standing until Sir Galahad returns. I should be there to inform the knight of his new squire."
"The orphanages sound they are in dire need. Another lapse from the former Regent. I have no problem pushing back the coronation another month. I'm sure the Night Hawks will have a productive meeting and want to start the hunt for Dark Souls fresh. So I'm sure I will off with the adventuring group soon."
"Speaking of the coronation, I have a few requests. I wish Jellena to speak the invocation and crown me at the event. I also want traditional avalon fair for food. For entertainment, I'd like as many examples of traditional avalon music played, both human and other races who live within Avalon's borders. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about this ancient land. All religions practiced with Avalon that are not evil may have representatives attend, with a special invitation to Avalon's druidic circles. That's it for now."
King Joseph then relays the events of Filderson to Arelius, his thoughts and difficulties on how it went.

Cayden's Tavern

"Let's head over then. We are going to Cayden's Tavern again."

Frank starts walking to the tavern ready for some food and information.

Entering Cayden's Tavern you are handed a cup, you are expected to take from the barrel with your cup. Beyond that you are free to do as you please. Asking one of the barmaids she points out the Grand Master's table in the far back.

There are 5 individuals around the table besides the grand Master himself. They all look well armored and armed.

"Ah! The Night Hawks, welcome do join us and have a seat. We haven't started without you." You can tell in his voice his level of formality has changed a lot.

"Sire, besides myself and your group, I only know a handful of people who have beacons. Also I was one of the few who had access to Filderson's waypoint location. I had hoped you would say so and it has already been done. Would you like sir Micheals to come see you? All of those requests are easily handled. I just hope that Queen Adora can handle a vampire. The Regent is still unaccounted for and I am sure he will be traveling there when he can. No other instances of banditry has been reported in weeks." He offers stoically.

"Who is Sir Michaels? Is he a vampire hunter and also a knight? You really think The Regents hiding out in Filderson?"

"Sir Micheals is the knight in good standing that I put in charge of Aswald, the boy Frank left here."

"I think the Regent had something invested somewhere and Filderson seems to be the only logical spot or at least the obvious one. I am sure that there is a carriage with his coffin heading there right now or going to his real hideout spot. I would suggest having a daylight spell with you at all times. I can hire a few aasimars to be your aides."

King Joseph nodded. "Yes, see if Sir Micheals is available. If not today, then tomorrow."
"I appreciate your concern, Arelius", King Joseph began. "But I keep a vigilant weapon against undead at my side at all times. Escalaver often alerts of the presence of undead before I can even see it. Besides, destroying the vampire myself would actually help me immensely."

He nods in agreement to be on his way to do his tasks.

There is not much else to do, until a few hours later he returns with a knight. "I present sir Micheals." He introduces.

King Joseph wakes from nodding off to greet the knight. "Good afternoon, Sir Micheals." The new monarch extends a hand to shake. "Sir Micheal, I wish to ask a favor. One of our newest knights brought a young charge to court. His name is Aswald. He is intended to squire under Sir Galahad, but he's en route to Filderson, and unreachable at the moment. I would ask a knight in good standing like yourself, to foster the boy temporarily, and begin explaining his squiring responsibilities to him, until Sir Galahad returns to court."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

Looking upon Sir Micheals you might think him one of the youngest knights you have seen. The knight kneels before you and then stands to return the handshake. Nodding his head he relays happily, "Sire I will do my best with Aswald until sir Galahad returns. Is there anything else you require of me?"

This question gave King Joseph pause. "What part of the country do you patrol? Tell me about it. What are some of the agricultural products that come from that region? Any issue a king should know about it?"

"Sire, I am apart of Camelot's Watch. We help the guards of the city keep it safe. We act as immediate guidance in case there is no captain. We hope to have the streets cleaned and the civilians back to work in their professions before we have another riot. Outside of Camelot proper there are many vegetable gardens which grow year round, as well as pig farms, dairys, and chicken farms. The Regents actions seemed so radical when he came into power but we saw immediate things that were fixed due to the changes but then there was no way we could keep up with the magical needs for the machines. It was a good thing that our farmers kept producing, otherwise most of us would have starved a few years ago. He brought massive machines he called 'meals on wheels'. A caster can feed spell levels into them and they would produce the most delicious food. But we didn't have enough casters to feed the masses after the conscription for the Red War. The Red War was a war against a horde of orcs, goblinoids and giants that invaded our nation. Our military held them back but there was too many. The casters were conscripted and laid waste to them but it seemed that's what their overlord wanted, as the casters were spent assassins were sent to abduct them. The Red War came at a terrible price of most of our casters. It ended as their dark forces retreated 3 years ago. We lost 80% of our casters and most of our leadership."

The young king's face sunk slightly hearing the most recent problems with Camelot. But this was the most concise explanation he's received so far. "Surely, Sir Micheals, you know where in this castle is a map room. Let us go there and you can show me where our forces routed the armies of The Red War", Joe said with a heavy sigh. "And thank you for your forthrightness, Sir Micheals."

Arelius follows the king and sir Micheals to the map room, there they go over the history of the war.

Is there anything specific you are looking for?

What direction they exited Avalon, and what might be their current position?

Filderson is one of 8 provinces in the North of Avalon. Nikael, Persiveal, and Zeal were the three provinces that were invaded the most. They each have a pass to the North through the mountains that the horde came through. The Red Horde are likely to be in the wilderness to the North. The passes are currently being held by our forces, to our knowledge. No messengers have brought messages to say otherwise but no one has been sent to inspect them in months, maybe even a year.

"I have found a waypoint in all of our provinces, Zeal's waypoint is close to its pass." he says as many lights emerges on the map. Then one changes color to blue to indicate Zeal's.

He begins by introducing everyone. Then they start giving information. "I hear that the slothful undead Dark Soul has been defeated."

"The gluttonous fire infused troll is still with the Red Horde. His brothers still stick with him. We still don't know who the overlord is. They are in the wilderness to the North of Avalon."

Greed is still unaconted for.

In the far South in the Desolet wastes the Wrathful Demonic Knights Baruliis, Caines, and Arrunes hold the desert in destruction.

Artemis would nod a bit, silently writing some notes down before raising an eyebrow, "Three wrathful Knights? Do you know if they are 'together' and... are they same 'strength' as the others individually or combined?"

King Joseph nods silently, taking all the info in. "The Red War has deeply affected everyone in Avalon. If we continue to focus on rebuilding our agricultural infrastructure, that could spur The Red Horde to come down from the mountains and begin their raiding all over again. Other than those working or on route to Filderson, are there any other military units currently unavailable? When we decide to drive The Red Horde from Avalon once and for all, I'd want our military at 100%."

They are three individuals working together. We think one of them is the Overlord or Lord of the Dark Souls. We have not tested their strength. Though they seem to be as strong as each other, seeing each of them take down an ogre in one swing at an ogre rebellion.

"I would say no more than 30% of our military forces are going to Filderson. We have a few platoons working with our navy taking care of a pirate issue in the East. The King's Forest has two platoons on the search of a murdering trio. Apparently the Regent sent your champion, General Lancelot, and 8 platoons separately to the Northern passess, none have checked in by normal means in a month. It seems like using the waypoint to get to Zeal's fort pass would be ideal to find out what is going on up there. Likely when the Night Hawks return."

"Then let's use unusual means of contact. How's your Divinations, Arelius?" The paladin king softly snaps his fingers to himself. "I know of a spellcaster who may be able to help us, if I can convince her anyway. Gentlemen, does this castle have a fountain?"
GM, Joe will try to contact Zenli via a fountain. Just a heads up."

"I have one spell prepared, I will see what I can find out about Lancelot. Most of the gardens have fountains." He replies.

1d6 ⇒ 3

As The Order of Merlin prepares his spell, we walks out of the room temporarily to call a castle servant.
"Hello, I need your help. I need a bottle of fine wine, with two wine glasses and a bouquet of freshly-cut flowers delivered to the map room, please?"

The servant nods and rushes off.

The spell takes 10 minutes to cast but first he asks, "what do you want me to divine? The condition of the Avalon platoons sent to the Northern passes of Avalon?"

"And location. Communication is possible", King Joseph said eagerly.

He relays what the spell does specifically and then poses the question to you, "divination spell can provide you with a useful piece of advice in reply to a question concerning a specific goal, event, or activity that is to occur within 1 week. The advice granted by the spell can be as simple as a short phrase, or it might take the form of a cryptic rhyme or omen. If your party doesn’t act on the information, the conditions may change so that the information is no longer useful.

What is the condition and location of the Avalon platoons sent to the Northern passes of Avalon with sir Lancelot?"

The young monarch simply nods to Arelius's posed question.

He begins casting the spell with the question prepared. Once the 10 minutes pass he reads the question he wrote down and then quickly begins to write something down on the paper beside him. Once done, he holds it up and reads it, "Steel and flesh have not met yet. If the crown does not present itself the lance shall be broke. The tide will be bloody if help does not come."

Then he suggests what it means, "the forces have not met yet. If you dont go Lancelot will be lost. Only if help goes, we will then not lose as many soldiers."

"Thank you, Grand Master. How do we break the cycle? We have killed the dark soul of sloth, but how long until another takes its place. The information you just gave is far more than what we had. I was hoping to go to the Red Salt Mountains to the South. I am to slay the Lion of Cithaeron. That will have to wait. So Gluttony is a Fire Troll? Does that mean it can be killed by cold or is Acid needed? Joe is currently in Avalon. If a Dark Soul resides there that will be our next target. Can you tell us anything more about the troll or the Red Horde?"

He gulps down his drink as he motions a barmaid to fetch him another.

The barmaid stops and asks Frank, "Another from the barrel of plenty or of a different sort?"

"We have a month before another one will be selected. If we continue to kill another Dark Soul each month they cannot pass the title to another. Though in October we must kill one of them and the trick or treat gang. Once the prime Dark Souls are vanquished we have a year to kill the four horsemen before they can put titles of truth upon recipients. Though they can put titles of power on any and all. Odin save us. We were so close 7 years ago but then we were betrayed by the three brothers of wrath. They were paladins." He laments.

Arelius suggests what it means. "The forces have not met yet. If you dont go Lancelot will be lost. Only if help goes, we will then not lose as many soldiers."

King Joseph nods in quiet understanding. Fate keeps pushing me down the path, thinks the paladin.