Arcanium ~ A New World (Inactive)

Game Master BloodWolven

He smiles and states as he puts the quiver on the table, "We are still working on it but it is an Efficient Quiver and we are making it also into a frozen Quiver." The quiver has white fur all around it.

With no responses to Jellena's query, the group packs up and heads out of the library. Jellena takes the time to switch the time dilation back to normal so that the door will open. The group steps through the portal to find Niversal on the ground some 30 feet from the entrance.

As you approach he slowly stands, now having returned to a younger state.

King Joseph congratulates everyone for the their high level if skill in making magical items.

Did Merlynn leave with us or is she staying to work on the Jailer and Wish?

The godling approaches the younger half-celestial. "How do you feel? Did the transformation to half-angel lessen the pain the draught had on you?"

oh you know, threw up a few times and felt my spine and knee reknit and my glasses become useless. It's like I am in my twenties again, Joe. I lost alot to combat and time.

"Did I hear coronation? I should be there for that, though I am going to finish a few notes." She states in earnest. So no she won't be joining you right now.

"It sounds like you lost a lot of time to recovery too," She states glancing over his new form.

As he gets up on his own she flourishes with her now cloak, rather than the bulky furry robe heading away from the library.When did that change, most of you might think.

Those of you with devices keyed to a daily quest, ding. Looking at the device it tells you that you have 2 hours to finish your goals.

"Okay. Who has quests they need to finish?" King Joseph asks.

She pulls out her phone and then it *dings*. She clicks a few buttons and states triumphantly, "My daily quest is complete! Joe do you want some 'Free XP?!'" Then she scoffs, settling to a smile.

"I have two quests that I can think of. First is to find a bow in the Cave of Ur'Legrutha. It is North of New Faces in a country known as Nemesis. In the Blood Mountains of Malice.
The second is my daily quest..." With a few swipes and the touch of the phone he holds it up to show: "Congratulations on completing your daily quest!"

After being hit by Castria he blushes deeply and retorts with, "That is no quest, that is my goal in life!" He says grinning likely bigger than you have seen before.

She smirks and playfully hits Delman's arm adding, "He has a third quest, make his girl happy!"

She pulls out her phone and then it *dings*. She clicks a few buttons and states triumphantly, "My daily quest is complete! Joe do you want some 'Free XP?!'" Then she scoffs, settling to a smile.

"I have two quests that I can think of. First is to find a bow in the Cave of Ur'Legrutha. It is North of New Faces in a country known as Nemesis. In the Blood Mountains of Malice.

She smirks and playfully hits Delman's arm adding, "He has a third quest, make his girl happy!"

"I don't think my assistance is needed for that quest", Joe smiled sheepishly.

"Yeah that will likely take all the Night Hawks, but I think we need to check in on your country and coronation before we do anything else. I think I will take Castria and we can go find a waypoint that is close to the Blood Mountain. Once I know a date I can see how far we can travel before the coronation." He offers.

"Quests... Daily quests with my device which is almost done, just need to do a bit more running. I haven't done anything with the points though, wait, I can gain hp with this! SWEET!" He starts off rather calm and then gets super excited learning more about the quest app.

Niversal looks at all the devices and says I never understood those things and don't want or need one now. I lived on a farm cabin retired in the woods hunting and fishing when I got here and listened to the radio for entertainment Niversal chuckles a bit.

The group continues to talk as they walk to the waypoint, a good half hour away. This would let Markas get some running in to finish his quest.

At the waypoint, crystals are activated and most of the group arrives at the Camelot waypoint. Guards threaten you with halberds and pikes but are quickly put up. The door is opened and left to ascend the stairs and go through 5 more checkpoints before leaving the barracks.

Returning to the castle proper Arelius escorts the group in.

"Greetings, Aerlius", King Joseph said, his favored Order of Merlin representative walks with the Night Hawks through Camelot's grounds. "The Fire-Infused Troll Family have been vanquished. I'd like to request a medal of achievement to be presented to Serill in our next session of open court for destroying their leader. Preferrably enchanted with a spellcasting buff."

"I'd also like to set up an appointment with the kingdom's accountant, at his or her's earliest convenience. And The Crown wishes to make an official statement: King Joseph of Avalon is officially courting Miss Ryada Silverleaf, fellow familia member of The Mistress. The Crown asks for the well-wishes of the citizens of Avalon during this time of courting."

"But I'm getting ahead of myself. What's latest news do you have for me? Any other writing in the sky from the Overlord in my absence? Any other issues hat need to be addressed at this moment?"

"I have some news my friend. The Princess and I liberated her town. Seems you guys have accomplished a bit as well. Got rid of another dark one huh. Sorry I missed that. Oh yeah I guess I look a bit different. Feathery wings and an angelic appearance instead of the dragon one. A bit easier on the eyes. The princess seems to like it a bit more as well. Softer skin in bed and all. Good to see you all. So what are we up to?"

Frank approaches the king. Extending his hand.

"Good to be home."

King Joseph was genuinely surprised to see his fellow godling comes from a side hallway.
"Frank! Jesus! I-I didn't think we'd ever see you again!!" Joe took Franks new outstretched hand and shook it. "Don't ever fu<king do that again!" The holy warrior's tone went down an octave, but smiled having a feeling Jellena had some choice words for the warlord.

"Um, where are my manners?" The paladin king injected. "We have some new faces among The Night Hawks." Joe introduces Niversal, Markas, Ed, and Serill to Frank.

greetings friend of Joe and fellow Night Hawk and welcome home. I am Niversal and this is my trusty friend Ed Niversal also looks angelic made a bit of stone with a mustache and beard of flame framing his face and hair of flame as well and Ed is a border collie and German shepherd mix dog who is about hip height and looks to weigh a fit ninety pounds.

"Christ man I haven't been gone that long. I did catch wind you took down another dark soul so I figured it was a good time to come back. I still need to quest and power up Mjölnir and Megingjörð. But yeah good to see you buddy. Did Aswald start training with Ghalahad? Where the chic with the Power Sword from Eternia go?"

He looks to Niversal

"Niversal? So you went full on new name when you died huh. Me too. I went 80's action movie cheese. Good to meet you. Where is my favorite striper oracle?"

He looks around for Jellena.

He is a bit beside himself trying to collect all the news from Joe and determining the best way to explain. "Sire... how should I put it, plain and as simple as you said. The kingdom is broke. Our coffers are dry. The accountants have vanished. Many of our leading clerks are missing. Open court is not advisable and your coronation is taking far more favors than it was foreseeable. Most of the staff on hand are staunch loyalists or being paid to be eyes and ears within the castle.
We can look through the museum or the king's personal vault for such a medal.
Nothing else as foreboding as the Overlord. Though I have seen a few bank representatives with lesser accountants, and if we don't find some major resource soon. Cities might succeed from us via the banks. The only thing I can think of is vampires, the regent, he must have turned many of our clerks. Then used them to funnel money, make loans, and such. It was such a mess as we were ordered away. I was forced to stand by his side and only advise him. My suggestion is a 'knights quest' or bankruptcy."

The invisible jab hits just below the bottom rib and she appears next to Frank. More formal than normal in her long black furry robe. Though the purple shorts and shirt are still there. She enunciates the word fiercely, "Cor-te-sean, get it right or not at all!" Though the fire in her eyes might be about something more.

Hearing about Camelots troubles she shakes her head. "Sounds like a time to cut the red tape!"

He was about to offer his hand for a shake with Frank but at Jellena's appearance he just stopped.

He is a bit beside himself trying to collect all the news from Joe and determining the best way to explain. "Sire... how should I put it, plain and as simple as you said. The kingdom is broke. Our coffers are dry. The accountants have vanished. Many of our leading clerks are missing. Open court is not advisable and your coronation is taking far more favors than it was foreseeable. Most of the staff on hand are staunch loyalists or being paid to be eyes and ears within the castle.

We can look through the museum or the king's personal vault for such a medal.
Nothing else as foreboding as the Overlord. Though I have seen a few bank representatives with lesser accountants, and if we don't find some major resource soon. Cities might succeed from us via the banks. The only thing I can think of is vampires, the regent, he must have turned many of our clerks. Then used them to funnel money, make loans, and such. It was such a mess as we were ordered away. I was forced to stand by his side and only advise him. My suggestion is a 'knights quest' or bankruptcy."

King Joseph, apparent King of a bankrupt kingdom, stood in shocked and increasing angry silence. The paladin king took a deep breath, then walked up to Ryada, taking her hand. Joe kissed the bard's knuckle, maintaining the cupped grasp.

It's times like these that define an administration. Be cool. Think.

"Everyone! Follow me to the Royal Library! Now!" King Joseph, with the elven bard in tow, walked briskly through the castle's corridors.

"Okay. My coronation is cancelled, probably indefinitely. If someone questions my Right to Rule, they can discuss it with the bladed edge of my magical sword that USED to speak!"

"Question!" Joe gave his Order of Merlin representative a quick look to indicate to whom the king was questioning. "Is and/or was the King's personal vault separate from Camelot's coffers? If so, raid it. Bleed it dry if need be! Sell the top 25% wines and liquors from The Royal wine Stocks. Hell, I'll autograph the bottles if the buyers want!"

"Alert the knights of this matter and tell them a 10% finder's fee will be awarded for the location and return of any stolen Camelot funds! Any activity that smells remotely of vampirism must be reported to the nearest court representative!"

"The castle may be broke. But Avalon's economy must be one of the largest in the world. Sadly the 5% tax deduction will be immediately rescinded. Descreetly discuss to any noble still loyal to The Crown, and negotiate quiet small loans to the Castle. Mayor McCorrmick of New Faces told me he'd be interested in helpping Camelot out. Reach out of him, see if a shipment of food or resources can be send to Avalon!"

Hall guards lean or move out of the way as a fiercely-determined king and his entourage stomp through the halls of Camelot. King Joseph nearly throws the doors to the Royal Library open. "Alright. Where are they?" Joe says to himself as he look for where he left the Holy Grail and the blue magical bow.
Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27

Joe stops to look at the assembled shocked members of The Night Hawks. "Any avenue anyone here can think I missed or not taking advantage of, please speak now!"

King Joseph realizes he's still gripping Ryada's hand. He kisses it as the human lets go.

"The king's personal vault can only be opened by you... or the crowned king of Avalon. I don't even remember the process or the requirement. Let me send for the book on it." With that he looks to one of the servants following dressed all in white, with a flick of his finger indicating that servant he runs off ahead of the group. "It is separate."

He points to another servant and states, "We will look into if the price of a bottle will increase with your autograph. I know the Royal wine and alcohol stocks are quite full." The servant runs off after scribbling words down on parchment.

"A Knight's Quest then looking into the lost clerks. A 10% finder's fee will be awarded for the location and return of any stolen Camelot funds! Any activity that smells remotely of vampirism must be reported to the nearest court representative!" He agrees and nods pointing to one of the last two servants around them. He also then states to the king, "This would be disseminated much quicker if you send the message to the nobles and knights vis your throne."

"the 5% tax deduction will be immediately rescinded." He states pointing at the last servant.

"I will personally deal with discreetly discussing with any noble still loyal to The Crown, and negotiate quiet small loans to the Castle." He states with confidence.

On a bright note he brings up, "Queen Adora and Mayor Timble of Filderson, could be heavily depended upon. They still have not sent word of what supplies they have there. But they have begun transportation of food. The first wagons full of apples should arrive in the next few days."

Ryada blushes at the announcement and happily follows with her hand in his. Upon the kiss she blushes again before thinking about solutions.

"Should I contact my family and see if they can bring a loan. It might not be much but they should be able to help!" She offers.

The bow is upon the weapon rack that you left it upon and begins to shine as Joe gets closer to it. Once it is in your hand, the Holy Grail becomes visible as it was upon the nearby table.

"I can get you 25,000 gold coins or at least the equivalent some way with a wish each day." She offers.

She looks over at Arelius and asks, "What other things does the kingdom have that we could sell?"

With a sly grin she looks at Joe and asks, "Should I go to New Faces and collect some support from the nobles there? I am sure I could draw up some profitable loans. Also I will talk with the church."

"I can do some tricks! Will that help?" Ed says enthusiastically.

Frank gives Jellena a smack on the ass with a little squeeze.

"You're looking good as always."

He listens to Merlin and Joe's words as they head to the library.

"What about War Joe. There is always money to made in war. The regent had his claws in deep. Did we find and finish him off? I don't know if we should start a fight but are all surrounding kingdoms allies to Avalon? If not war then maybe hunt down the regent. AN old undead like that should have a vast collection of money or items of value. I mean did any of you ever play kingmaker back in your previous lives? We need to sell off some items somewhere else and buy trade goods and building supplies. We can then pay people to start building new building that will begin earning money for the kingdom. We just need to find a dragons horde. Didn't you take out the dark soul of Greed? Did he have nothing? What did he covet if not wealth?"

Frank looks to Jellena.

"Oh yeah the wish box. Holly hell I forgot about that. I remember getting stacks of pancakes from that thing at one time. Yeah do that nothing I suggested will make more the 25K a day." He smiles big.

I can't remember, am I with the group or did I already head North?

"A Knight's Quest then looking into the lost clerks. A 10% finder's fee will be awarded for the location and return of any stolen Camelot funds! Any activity that smells remotely of vampirism must be reported to the nearest court representative!" He agrees and nods pointing to one of the last two servants around them. He also then states to the king, "This would be disseminated much quicker if you send the message to the nobles and knights vis your throne."

Are you sure that's wise?" Joe questions. "Will the Throne disseminate my edicts only the loyal knights and nobles? Or everyone is Avalon?"

On a bright note he brings up, "Queen Adora and Mayor Timble of Filderson, could be heavily depended upon. They still have not sent word of what supplies they have there. But they have begun transportation of food. The first wagons full of apples should arrive in the next few days."

King Joseph nods at the encouraging news.

"Should I contact my family and see if they can bring a loan. It might not be much but they should be able to help!" She offers.

Joe looks at his intended surprised. "You found your family whereabout?" The King of Avalon was going to add in the Library, yet decided to keep that part out due to unworthy ears nearby.

"I can get you 25,000 gold coins or at least the equivalent some way with a wish each day." She offers.

Joe breathes a small sigh of relief. "I hope that alone will get us through the next couple days at least."

She looks over at Arelius and asks, "What other things does the kingdom have that we could sell?"

With a sly grin she looks at Joe and asks, "Should I go to New Faces and collect some support from the nobles there? I am sure I could draw up some profitable loans. Also I will talk with the church."

Joe winced slightly at the mention of The Mistress's Cathedral in New Faces. "Sadly, I'm already several thousand in debt to the church due to leveling rituals and temple communications. If you can, please drum up some support from New Face's nobility, first."

"I can do some tricks! Will that help?" Ed says enthusiastically.

Joe smiled as he bend down to pet the wonderdog. "Always helpful, Ed."

b]"What about War Joe. There is always money to made in war. The regent had his claws in deep. Did we find and finish him off? I don't know if we should start a fight but are all surrounding kingdoms allies to Avalon? If not war then maybe hunt down the regent. AN old undead like that should have a vast collection of money or items of value. I mean did any of you ever play kingmaker back in your previous lives? We need to sell off some items somewhere else and buy trade goods and building supplies. We can then pay people to start building new building that will begin earning money for the kingdom. We just need to find a dragons horde. Didn't you take out the dark soul of Greed? Did he have nothing? What did he covet if not wealth?"[/b]

"Sadly, no. The vampires we did kill were affiliated with The Regent, but not the master vampire. And the first beginning volleys have been shoot at The Red Horde, but it's not gone and will be back eventually. If I can avoid putting too much military pressure on this country, I will. But whatever happens, I seek to face the challenges ahead."

I can't remember, am I with the group or did I already head North?

I believe Delman said he was making his way North.

Artemis would just huff, sighing a bit and thinking to himself as he takes a seat, holding his head in his hands, "I... just how are we this screwed..." Taking a deep breath, Artemis would look up, a little defeated, "There is one thing I don't think we have fully covered and that is the cities. We need to secure the cities now or they, with their massive local wealth, will be able to ruin us financially with their succession. Trade leagues were... are a powerful tool that works against the centralization of a realm such as this. Therefore," Artemis says, pausing as he takes a breath, "In my opinion, we need to act decisively to curb their power or pacify them or we run the risk of foreign intervention similar to that of the Prussians and the Polish."

"Ok, so ol'Frank is playing a bit of catch up here. So the cities have amassed enough individual wealth to branch out on their own possibly? So are they refusing to pay taxes? If so is it because of loyalty to the Regent? They individual leadership is then possible dominated by him and quite loyal. Maybe finding and dealing with the Regent for good would move things along in a positive manner. So what's our next move then?"

Arelius of the order of Merlin wrote:

"A Knight's Quest then looking into the lost clerks. A 10% finder's fee will be awarded for the location and return of any stolen Camelot funds! Any activity that smells remotely of vampirism must be reported to the nearest court representative!" He agrees and nods pointing to one of the last two servants around them. He also then states to the king, "This would be disseminated much quicker if you send the message to the nobles and knights via your throne."

Are you sure that's wise?" Joe questions. "Will the Throne disseminate my edicts only the loyal knights and nobles? Or everyone is Avalon?"

Reluctantly he nods his head and states, "That is true it would send it to all knights with an active ring. Be it that it was active with the regent or yourself. All would know of the information: knights, nobles, and such. Though it can take up to several weeks for all knights to be looking for the problem makers without the use of the throne."

"Ok, so ol'Frank is playing a bit of catch up here. So the cities have amassed enough individual wealth to branch out on their own possibly? So are they refusing to pay taxes? If so is it because of loyalty to the Regent? They individual leadership is then possible dominated by him and quite loyal. Maybe finding and dealing with the Regent for good would move things along in a positive manner. So what's our next move then?"

"To put it simply, yes. They have the wealth to possibly branch out. They are not refusing to pay taxes but with our King's recent edicts it has run our coffers dry. Though the regent likely was funneling money away or flat out stealing it. Another area I was not suppose to nor able to check on without the kingdom being in dire monetary straights, thus the regent kept us afloat... enough..." You get the feeling that Arelius never liked the regent and was likely a thorn in his side.

"25 thousand gold will hold us out for easily a week with your majesty's edicts in place. Nothing as severe as official word that any city has plans of succession. Without having to ask them for a loan should keep them nicely in line. Your coronation should be done with 500 to 1000 gold and no favors needed, and it is needed to show you have power and can control your own house let alone the country! You did tell me to not hold my tongue." He smirks with the last sentence and nods approvingly at all the options set before the group. "With the wine and alcohol sold, it should bring in easily the price of your coronation if not double."

"25 thousand gold will hold us out for easily a week with your majesty's edicts in place. Nothing as severe as official word that any city has plans of succession. Without having to ask them for a loan should keep them nicely in line. Your coronation should be done with 500 to 1000 gold and no favors needed, and it is needed to show you have power and can control your own house let alone the country! You did tell me to not hold my tongue." He smirks with the last sentence and nods approvingly at all the options set before the group. "With the wine and alcohol sold, it should bring in easily the price of your coronation if not double."

King Joseph looks to his Order of Merlin representative sourly. "A coronation. Smeared with scandal. Certainly not the legendary affair of my dreams."

At that, King Joseph, holding the Magic Bow, while tucking the Holy Grail in his belt loop, walks out of the royal library and down the hall to the Throne Room.

Likely the first one to be standing let alone at Joe's side, his betrothed walks to his right to the throne room. She touches his arm to calm him down some, holding onto it. She whispers...

She rises slowly and follows at the back of the procession.

Still quite unsure about this whole thing. He is still admiring all the detail in the rooms, hallways, and then the throne room. He walks over to the large stone in the throne room and whispers moreso to himself, "Is this the stone in the sword and the stone legend?!"

"Not of your scandal but of the regent's. I know that is not what you want. We could always hold off if you wish." He states humbly.

He quickly goes ahead if possible to announce the coming of the king. Though more likely stays at Joe's left and readies himself for the next proclamation.

He runs around trying to get his own attention.

there are sunken ships and treasures deep in mountains unseen and dragons hoards. There are great ruins of kingdoms past under sands and jungles. There are clouds floating with castles with giants. I would rather do all these then fight a war. I am now, however, the knight of Death, and I mourn for my loss and the loss of my wife who believes me dead and in heaven, therefore, I will serve Death first as a Nighthawk, and You second Joe. Command my bow or my sword and I will do what is needed. I swear it. Niversal says with some finality to it. Niversal smiles and ruffles Ed's ear and pets along his ear and chin where he likes most and pulls out some jerky meat and feeds it to Ed as a treat and then pulls out a bowl and tosses it down and fills it with water and a second bowl with some more meat.

Perception: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27
"I'm sure I'll calm down later. I'll be alright. [u]We'll[/u] be alright." The young monarch speaks softly to the elven bard and reaches again for her hand to kiss.

Still quite unsure about this whole thing. He is still admiring all the detail in the rooms, hallways, and then the throne room. He walks over to the large stone in the throne room and whispers moreso to himself, "Is this the stone in the sword and the stone legend?!"

"No. Markas. That is outside near the lake." King Joseph replies. "After a few more tense days, I'll be happy to show it to you."

"Not of your scandal but of the regent's. I know that is not what you want. We could always hold off if you wish." He states humbly.

"No. You are right. Arcanium and Avalon must see this king not lamenting his fortunes on his throne. This is a setback. Avalon will not crumble in my watch," King Joseph said with determination. "There will be other celebrations and functions to dwarf my coronation, I'm sure."

"I am now, however, the knight of Death, and I mourn for my loss and the loss of my wife who believes me dead and in heaven, therefore, I will serve Death first as a Nighthawk, and You second Joe. Command my bow or my sword and I will do what is needed. I swear it. Niversal says with some finality to it.

"I and all of Arcanium will be happy with whatever an experienced soldier can bring to bear, Niversal. One bit of kingdomcraft first."

In the throne room, King Joseph gathers his inner reserves before sitting on the throne. Once the godling paladin sits on Avalon's most famous chair, Joe concentrates on the images of his most loyal and trustworthy knights and members of the nobility.

With the speech done by Joe upon the throne she asks, "Shall I be escorted by Arelius to Camelot's treasure vault?"

King Joseph sighs from the effort of throne communication and rises. "One minute." Jellena's dear friend and teammate draws Escalavar from it's sheath. "Jellena. Come forward."

Joe sheaths the silent blade, and breathes a sigh of relief. "Whew! That was alot of titles at one time." The King looks back to Arelius. Ah. Now will you please escort Lady Jellena, myself, and my newly-risen nobles to the royal vault, please?" The paladin said with a satisfied smile.

She smiles and nods. Once she is given her title she steps to the side so that the next person can come forward. She edges her way over to Arelius to whisper to him about nobility and what rights and privileges they will be getting.

He takes a knee and once the proclamation is done he raises his head and says, "Thank you your majesty. May your rule be full of grace and kindness. May I be able to follow the tenants of law and goodness under you."

Then he stands and moves to the side.