After entering the dining hall, Joe sees the plethora of experts with stations setup. Arelius leads him from one to the next to decide on color, flower, fabric, and many different choices. With decisions made the experts quickly leave or begin to work with what material they have with them. Three artists begin making a painting, a sculpture, and a chalk pictures during the time.
It takes an hour if Joe takes his time.
At first, King Joseph is caught in the whirlwind of activity and questions, but when the paladin notices then artists working on his image, he becomes very cooperative.
"Avalon's national flower, of course", Joe expounds. "Unless they are out of season. Then an appropriate seasonal alternative. I hear elven silk is impressive. If not feasible, those made by other hands are welcome. The coronation is for the people of Avalon, not necessarily for The Goddess. Incorporate discrete references and colors of The Goddess into the clothes, so that 'those with eyes to see' may see them."In between questions, King Joseph as about the others, and smiles at the answers. The holly warrior-king also asks about the artists themselves, hoping to make them at ease, answering questions they might have, and finding out where they are from and where they trained. King Joseph also unsheaths Escalavar and lays the magic sword out for the artists so they get the sword correct in their works.
"Arelius, later today I shall brave the King's Vault test once more. May I acquire one or two potent healing potions to keep me going during my trials?"
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In between questions, King Joseph asks about the others, and smiles at the answers. The holy warrior-king also asks about the artists themselves, hoping to make them at ease, answering questions they might have, and finding out where they are from and where they trained. King Joseph also unsheaths Escalavar and lays the magic sword out for the artists so they get the sword correct in their works.
The questions from Joe does indeed calm the nerves of the artists. The three of them live in Camelot. The painter is the master and the other two are apprentices. One of the apprentices are from Valendor, a town to the east of Camelot. With Joe’s help they are able to find and define details.
”With our new funds from High Priestess Jellena I will check with the local churches. We dont have any in the armory but some cure light potions.” he responds with humility.
—-
Arelius is able to bring back a cure serious wounds and three cure moderate potions as he explains, ”Knowing that the potions are for the king, the temple of Apollo and the sun, gave us one cure moderate potion at cost. The temple of the hunt and Athena gave you the cure serious and sold the other cure mods at cost. I think the priests of the sun were holding out.”
"Well done, Arelius. And please give our thanks to the temples of Apollo, Athena, and Artemis. Hmm. Maybe Niversal can also act as my representative for those hunting faiths as well. He does now bear a striking resemblance to the sun god these days."
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He nods in recognition, "I will write up a formal letter of thanks for you to sign."
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Entering into the first room you have prepared yourself to overcome the illusions of your possible failures... Will DC 28.
The next test throws fear at you which you easily bypass...
Then the third trial is a noxious cloud DC 20 or be neaseated. Save for three rounds and you may pass... as you save the third time you find an old crone stirring a cauldron. She states, "Drink from my cauldron and you shall regenerate like a troll and gain strength for each foe you eat of..."
The fourth trial you find a room full of an orgy. Women call your name and summon you to their sides... Will DC 13 five times....
The last woman before you leave says, "Let me bear you a child worthy of your Lineage, he will be loyal and a fierce protector of Camelot."
The fifth trial you see a room full of skeletons. Undead animated skeletons that are walking around casually. Wisdom DC 15.
Fully armored and brandishing his new heavy steel shield, King Joseph reenters The King's Vaults.
In the first trial, King Joseph powers through the sights of all possible failures, as the second trial.
The third trial, the paladin vomits from the cloud.
King Joseph dry-heaves as the noxious cloud defeats his defenses once more.
The holy warrior curses his weakness as he vomits again.
King Joseph feels awful, but will not give in.
"I will survive! I will provide for my kingdom!!
The noxious cloud finally dissipates, leaving a nauseated, wheezing paladin on his knees, surrounded in his sick. Joe uses his daily casting of prestidigitation to clean himself and his armor.
King Joseph finds an old crone stirring a cauldron. She states, "Drink from my cauldron and you shall regenerate like a troll and gain strength for each foe you eat of..."
"No, thank you. I will not become the monsters I face." The weary godling walks further into his fourth trial.
On the fourth trial, Joe find a room full of an orgy. Women call your name and summon you to their sides. Despite how he'd love to join in, King Joseph abstains.
The last woman before you leave says, "Let me bear you a child worthy of your Lineage, he will be loyal and a fierce protector of Camelot."
"No thanks, ma'lady. I have a elf for that."
On the fifth trial, King Joseph see a room full of skeletons. Undead animated skeletons that are walking around casually.
You notice that the skeletons are not moving aggressively and almost as if you were at a party. Maybe this is a test of restraint.
You do see a door on the far side of the room.
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Entering the door you find a simple cozy room with a wizened old human sitting in one of the four cozy chairs. You see spots and wrinkles of age upon him. He is gaunt and almost sickly. His face is covered in thick white hair ending in a very long beard. The fire in the fireplace is merely coals now. Several candles light the shelves which hold mostly books but also several relics or treasures. You don't notice any other doors out of the room.
Another day passes though messages are sent to every Night Hawk, 'The coronation ceremony will happen in two weeks, on the 15th of October, of the year 15,777.'
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She continues to workout with Ryada and Markas in the morning. Meditation was her focus in one of the king's rooms.
With the knowledge that they would be here for two weeks, she would formally ask for a portion of land within Camelot so that a temple of Death may start to be constructed. She would divine the best location for the land and ask for that specific spot. On the outskirts of Camelot, part of an abandoned nobles lands and a derelict brewery.
At noon she passes out food and begins to work with those who live on the streets. Within a week half of those on the streets are gone.
Entering the door you find a simple cozy room with a wizened old human sitting in one of the four cozy chairs. You see spots and wrinkles of age upon him. He is gaunt and almost sickly. His face is covered in thick white hair ending in a very long beard. The fire in the fireplace is merely coals now. Several candles light the shelves which hold mostly books but also several relics or treasures. You don't notice any other doors out of the room.
King Joseph doesn't want to be lulled into a false sense of ease, so the paladin uses his Detect Evil (Sp) ability on the old man.
The old man barely moves, maybe is asleep, he breathes. He does not detect as evil.
The horn on the North wall detects as evil.
The paladin tries to careful navigate his way to the door on the other side of the room.
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King Joseph sees Book of Exalted Deeds, Ring of the Green Lantern, and The Philosopher’s Stone
Carefully moving around the skeletons taking his time Joe leaves the room without touching them.
"But I must do what is best for my kingdom right now. So I shall claim the gem-producing jeweled box."
"I will infuse the box. What does that mean?"
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Unless something big happens it becomes a wash rinse repeat process for me. I run in the morning with the group, then finish my exercises. Then I bathe and groom with my attache of maids. Put on one of the many dresses to help me get used to how they move. Then onto tutoring, my crash course of rulership and learning of Avalon and Camelot. Breakfast is part of an etiquette class. Lunch she would try to have privately with Joe, if he is busy she would invite her other friends, the Night Hawks, to get to know each of them better. Then back to classes. Dinner would likely be in the grand hall to meet nobles and to socialize.
Scion of the Arts: You gain a +1 bonus on all Perform checks, and Perform is always a class skill for you. If you have the bardic performance ability, you can use that ability for an additional 3 rounds per day.
Scion of Lore: You gain a +1 bonus on all Knowledge skills in which you have at least 1 rank.
Scion of Magic: You gain one of the following languages as a bonus language: Abyssal, Aklo, Celestial, Draconic, Infernal, or Sylvan. Once per day, as a free action, you can gain a +2 bonus on any Spellcraft check you make. You must spend the free action to gain this bonus before you make the check.
Scion of Peace: Whenever you take 10 on a Wisdom-based skill, treat the result as if you had rolled a 13 instead of a 10.
Scion of War: You use your Charisma modifier to adjust Initiative checks instead of Dex.
You emerge from the King's Vault with the gem studded box in tow. You decide if it is under your arm, stowed away or what. You find Jellena waiting for you. She does ask if you are okay?
Joe stumbles a bit exiting the King's Vault archway, no doubt adjusting to his slighyly-less agile stature. The young monarch, successful in his recent trails, smiles and greets his friend.
"Hi Jellena. Like most trials on Arcanium, it was not what I was expecting." Joe explains to the oracle what happened in the vaults , the mysterious old man at the end, the artifacts offered, and the process of empowering his prize."Now I own Uther's wedding present to his wife, a jeweled box said to produce gems everyday. Gods, I hope this was worth it."
The second night you would find her in your bed chambers. In a luxrous and modest dress she greets you, "Joe how have you been? We should talk about intimacy, sex, and us. I want you but since you are a king and you have publicly said I will be your queen and not a consort, well that complicates things. I have already learned so much from your tutors." You can see she is nervous and is wringing her hands with a handkerchief between them.
Joe opens his royal bedroom doors to find his beloved Lady Ryada waiting for him. "Ryada! I've missed you! You look amazing!" Joe growled at the seductively-dressed elf maiden.
The young monarch rushes to the elven noblewoman's arms and hugs her heartily, kissing her cheek, then her lips.When the talk comes to sex and intimacy, Joe's eyes widen sightly as a foolish grin erupts across his face.
"Well, I want you. I doubt Arthur really waited for Guinevere on his wedding night. If you want me, then have me! I don't care for any courting etiquette. I do want to hear all about your training? Like who your ladies-in-waiting are?"
"Unless something big happens it becomes a wash rinse repeat process for me. I run in the morning with the group, then finish my exercises. Then I bathe and groom with my attache of maids. Put on one of the many dresses to help me get used to how they move. Then onto tutoring, my crash course of rulership and learning of Avalon and Camelot. . Breakfast is part of an etiquette class. Lunch she would try to have privately with Joe, if he is busy she would invite her other friends, the Night Hawks, to get to know each of them better. Then back to classes. Dinner would likely be in the grand hall to meet nobles and to socialize."
When Ryada explains the idea of eating together at lunch. Joe looks overjoyed. "I'd love to spend my lunch meals with you. I know it's gonna get crazier and crazier around here until the coronation, but if I can enjoy some wonderful domestic bliss before The Night Hawks leave Camelot for Dark Souls, I'll be ever so thankful to enjoy any time with you, my love! We should go riding together soon!" Joe smiled wide. "I've yet to summon my Divine Steed. We can both it together as a family!"
She pauses before answering your other questions, "I only have servants right now. I don't belong to a noble or royal family, also I am not queen yet, so no ladies in waiting. Oh you don't want to hear about etiquette and my tutors. Soon you will be in my place as well. I have continued working on honing my blade skills and learning about the history of the kingdom. Did you know that none of the previous kings have died! Most have been whisked away by a dragon or angel. Never to be seen or heard again. Though there is rumor they were installed into the magic of Avalon. Whatever that means."
"Riding sounds fun!" She happily blurts out, obviously happy to have more time set for the two of you.
You may learn the feat for free but you must do the work first. At least a week of 8 hour sessions should cover it initially.
Will you be taking the daily quests too or abstain from it?
"It sounds like you should have offered more. We can fix ability damage easily, drain takes a restoration spell." She states.
King Joseph raises his hand in frustration to the heavens. "RESTORATION SPELLS! I never had any real experience with those so I forgot about restoration spells. Damn it. Oh well. For next time."
"How are you, Jel- I mean, Lady Jellena?" Joe corrects himself. "How has your first few days as a noblewoman been?"
She blushes and smiles at the compliment. Then she eagerly gives affection back to Joe, through embracing him back and kisses. Pulling back from Joe she explains, "You don't care about courting etiquette and I was free of obligations before. Though now... our situation has changed. You want me to be queen and I see there is responsibility there that I want. It is no longer that your actions only affect you but your country, our country. Once we are married and my father approves of you, which he should, then we can have as much sex as we want."
Joe smiles and nods in understanding. "I will respect your wishes as always, my love. We shall wait to express our love sexually until marriage." Despite his claims, the young monarch did look longingly at the noblewoman's night dress and imagined what lay beneath. "Thankful I got a sneak preview earlier."
"Just imagine, between our status as Chosen of the Goddess, our own different exalted natures, drink's from Delman's Cup of Immortality and The Holy Grail, we might have decades or centuries at our physical prime. To find and try every method to make each other feel REAL GOOD!"Wrestling his gaze back to Ryada's face, Joe continued, "I supposes we can still hold hands, hug and kiss: all good things." Joe blinks as an important thought crosses his mind.
"My dear, this talk of sex before marriage leads into the topic of sex after marriage. Before, we were very careful to not get you pregnant. When we are married, do you still wish to keep up that practice, or become lax, and let The Goddess decide when we will have a baby?" Joe reaches down to hold Ryada's hand. "Do you think you'll be ready to be a mother when it happens?"
She pauses before answering your other questions, "I only have servants right now. I don't belong to a noble or royal family, also I am not queen yet, so no ladies in waiting. Oh you don't want to hear about etiquette and my tutors. Soon you will be in my place as well. I have continued working on honing my blade skills and learning about the history of the kingdom. Did you know that none of the previous kings have died! Most have been whisked away by a dragon or angel. Never to be seen or heard again. Though there is rumor they were installed into the magic of Avalon. Whatever that means."
The paladin king nods and agrees as he listens to Ryada's training. "You're right. I should take advantage of any classes in etiquette and statecraft the kingdom offers. But to be fair, as a paladin, I do already know quite a bit on courtly manners, bows, and addressing others of differentiating social rank."
The holy warrior eyes widen at what the elf bard found out about the former kings of Avalon. "That's interesting. On my former world, one of the tales of Arthur was that when he was mortally-wounded, King Arthur was taken to the Isle of Avalon in hopes of healing from his wounds. Some other tales say that Arthur waits on The Isle of Avalon to return when England needs him the most. I wonder if he showed up during the German Invasions in World War II?" Joe thought aloud. "Anyway, since we are Chosen of The Goddess, sometimes I wonder what waits me after Death. Will my soul ride a spectral rhinoceros, battling night hags attempting to steal souls from The Goddess and others? Will I go to Heaven like all dutiful paladins before me? Or maybe I will join Arthur on "the isle of Avalon", playing card games until The Final Battle between Good and Evil?"Joe blinks back to Ryada. "Sorry. Just some things I think about in quietier times." The young king smiled. "I haven't had anyone to share these thoughts with in a while." Joe take Ryada's hand and places it on his cheek. "It's nice to have that connection with someone so close."
In the morning, Joe will discuss with Arelius classes to take to help him gain that feat and the future riding date with his not-quite yet fiance. Hopefully some of these classes can overlap and the two lovebirds can take them together.
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She thinks a few moments before responding to Joe, "My Leige," she then pauses as she does a slight bow, "I have been learning some etiquette and formality with Lady Ryada. Though most of my time has been spent on hiring engineers, priests, and workers for my new temple. A wayward waypoint was located and thought what better place than to put a temple. We should have the foundations done by the time of your coronation. I am sure you are busy and will leave you to your craft." If you don't ask any other questions she is soon on her way after another small bow.
"Thankful I got a sneak preview earlier."
She would blush deeper.
"Just imagine, between our status as Chosen of the Goddess, our own different exalted natures, drink's from Delman's Cup of Immortality and The Holy Grail, we might have decades or centuries at our physical prime. To find and try every method to make each other feel REAL GOOD!"
"Delman's cup of immortality should be enough to keep us young and in power as long as we choose. Though I am not a Chosen One of the Goddess like the rest of you. I came from.this world." She states and does her best to refrain.
"I supposes we can still hold hands, hug and kiss: all good things."
"My dear, this talk of sex before marriage leads into the topic of sex after marriage. Before, we were very careful to not get you pregnant. When we are married, do you still wish to keep up that practice, or become lax, and let The Goddess decide when we will have a baby?" Joe reaches down to hold Ryada's hand. "Do you think you'll be ready to be a mother when it happens?"
She simply says yes to the first statement. Then she happily states, "Yes, I think letting the Goddess decide when we bring life to this world would be best, then we can fully enjoy one another."
"It's nice to have that connection with someone so close."
"It is and you will have to tell me about some of your Earth things you spoke of."
"Lady Jellena, wait!" King Joseph takes in this news. "You mean there wasn't a temple to The Goddess already in Avalon? Well, with all difference to The Goddess, she doesn't really match up with the knights and romance of such a medieval society. If invited, I'd like to attend the foundation ceremony and take part any cornerstone ritual. I proud that a new temple to The Goddess will be raised under my reign as King!"
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The next morning, the 3rd of October, he attends to Joe offering several trivial matters to be handled with the king's choices. Then learns that Joe would like to attend the tutoring as well. With the king's choice in mind the future mornings until noon will be blocked out for tutoring.
This entails having breakfast with Ryada on eating etiquette. The history of Avalon and Camelot with Ryada. Though as she goes out for blade training the tutors ask what else you would like to learn.
Lunch is with Ryada without the tutors, unless you want further correction. Ryada had invited the Night Hawks to eat with her, so you both get to have informal meetings with them.
This entails having breakfast with Ryada on eating etiquette. The history of Avalon and Camelot with Ryada. Though as she goes out for blade training the tutors ask what else you would like to learn.
King Joseph addresses the team of tutors. "I was interested in learning some courtly dancing, but would it well-received for a king to learn how to dance among the nobility. I have heard tales of royalty abstaining from such activities in different kingdoms. What are your thoughts on the matter?"
Upon receiving his answer, King Joseph asks to learn more about Avalon's immediate neighboring kingdoms. The diplomatic state of these relationships to Avalon, the state of any trade; legal and illegal, and the measure of their rulers and armies.
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"In most countries and our own there is dancing for royals. Sure there are a few that abstain. Though in the end it is your choice." Is the general consensus between the tutors.
Immediate neighbors: To the South are the wild lands known for the Red Horde, Giants, and other ruffians. There is no official country. Though the Overlord's tower is located there. Some civilians smuggle illicit drugs and other forbidden items from those wild lands.
To the West is the black sands of Numalia, home to the Numians a jackal headed demihuman race. Gnolls are prevalent there over other races. We have a neutral stance with them. Though they believe in slavery which has been a problem in the past. We have good trade relations with them as we provide wood, food, and unique items from our lands in exchange for theirs. such as silk, jewels, and black marble. They have about half the population of Avalon but they have a quarter of livable land. They are known for making pyramid cities. A Numian warrior is easily twice as strong than a human.
To the North are the neutral lands. Merchant and some noble run city states that are under the no contest agreement.
To the East is the shifting jungle, a savage land that won't be tamed. Druids, nomadic local tribes, and beastlords make it their home. Many explorers and hunters go into the jungle.to find riches though not many return. Though beyond it is Eternia which we are opposed to Skeletar's rule. Relief aid is sent once a month. Which is ferried by the Druids of the Blue Moon. Then they ferry back refugees.
The following nights she would bring a book to read, enjoying time with you and putting you to sleep.
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"Lady Jellena, wait!" King Joseph takes in this news. "You mean there wasn't a temple to The Goddess already in Avalon? Well, with all difference to The Goddess, she doesn't really match up with the knights and romance of such a medieval society. If invited, I'd like to attend the foundation ceremony and take part any cornerstone ritual. I proud that a new temple to The Goddess will be raised under my reign as King!"
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20 + 17
"No, there is no temple to the Goddess in Camelot. There might be some small temples on the fringes but no major temples in Avalon. Yes that is true, plus there are many other gods and goddesses worshiped here. You will be invited once the foundation is finished and for any ceremonies." She states with neutral manner. A smile grows on her face with your interest.
"In most countries and our own there is dancing for royals. Sure there are a few that abstain. Though in the end it is your choice." Is the general consensus between the tutors.
"Well, then. I would love to learn how to properly dance in court. Sounds like fun!"
To the West is the black sands of Numalia, home to the Numians a jackal headed demihuman race. Gnolls are prevalent there over other races. We have a neutral stance with them. Though they believe in slavery which has been a problem in the past. We have good trade relations with them as we provide wood, food, and unique items from our lands in exchange for theirs. such as silk, jewels, and black marble. They have about half the population of Avalon but they have a quarter of livable land. They are known for making pyramid cities. A Numian warrior is easily twice as strong than a human.
Although Joe thought he might know the answer, the paladin decided to ask anyway. "Hmm. And which gods do the Numalians worship?"
To the East is the shifting jungle, a savage land that won't be tamed. Druids, nomadic local tribes, and beastlords make it their home. Many explorers and hunters go into the jungle.to find riches though not many return. Though beyond it is Eternia which we are opposed to Skeletar's rule. Relief aid is sent once a month. Which is ferried by the Druids of the Blue Moon. Then they ferry back refugees.
"That's one mystery solved", King Joseph thought aloud. "Eternia also resides on Arcanium. I'm beginning to see why Arcanium is such a power world of magic. Skeletar will answer for his tyranny in time."
On the morning of the fourth Joe is woken up by Arelius, "Sir! SIR! A delegation from Khorvian has arrived. The first royal delegation to come from your summons!"
King Joseph immediately gets out of bed and begins to dress from clothes from his magical wardrobe, dressing in impressive kingly attire. "Goodness! Give me a rundown of the Khorvians?"
"No, there is no temple to the Goddess in Camelot. There might be some small temples on the fringes but no major temples in Avalon. Yes that is true, plus there are many other gods and goddesses worshiped here. You will be invited once the foundation is finished and for any ceremonies." She states with neutral manner. A smile grows on her face with your interest.
"Please do." King Joseph smiles to see the reserved nature of Lady Jellena buckle. "Things are still tight here in the castle, but if there's anything else I can help with, please tell me."
The tutors respond with, "The Numians serve different gods like us. Though they worship death, blood, and war primarily."
Arelius hits with the hard facts first, "They are a secretive, sorcerous, and strong people. They live by the code that the strongest should rule. The races are mainly made up of werewolves, vampires, and demihumans. They should be arriving at the main gates soon via three horseless carriages. They had to travel the furthest, so it is strange they are the first here." You can hear and see the nervousness on him. Cracks of thunder can be heard through the castle.
As Joe and Arelius rush to be ready to greet the delegation, Quickly going to the greeting hall or the courtyard?
"Well, if they are guests, and treat their hosts well, then there will not be any issues. It sounds silly that the Khorvians would come so far only to start trouble", King Joseph said while adding the finishing touches on his goatee. "I assume we have quarters for them, should they wish to stay? I remain optimistic, but discreetly alert The Night Hawks of the current situation, please?"
As the weather turns, King Joseph will meet the Kvorian delegation in the greeting hall.
Before he leaves the royal bedroom, King Joseph takes his mp3 player with him, thinking it might be handy.
"Yes quarters have already been prepared for delegations and I sent off servants to remove holy symbols, silver, mirrors, and to close the drapes for their rooms." He replies with confidence. "Sire, I have come to know your tricks, if you would use your ring and tell your party of the situation. It would be discreet and quicker done. I will still send servants though just in case."
Meeting in the greeting hall, Joe and the Night Hawks in the castle would get there first. This hall is the first main room from the courtyard and the drawbridge. To the right is the garrison. The nine figures come into the room in black over coats which hide much of their features. Three of them stand at nearly nine or ten feet and their girth is half that.
With a flourish the coats come off one at a time. The three tall brutes could be giants as their bodies are thick with muscles that can be seen through their fine cotton clothes. Though the clothes seem to made in Earth modern standard of a lawyer. Pricey clothes of modern standards. These three are introduced as "three elders of the moon'. Though two of them seem to be in their thirties as the eldest in his fifties with but a hint of grey hair.
More detail may have been seen but are outshined by the enchanting 'Coven Elders'. Each a stark contrast to the other. Amora, a radiant beauty with long vibrant strawberry red hair that sways with every movement. She wears a red foxtail robe, with a shrug her servant collects it as it falls from her shoulders. She approaches with a revealing two piece outfit showing off nearly all her figure.
Next is a drow, Mina, in a red cloak and satin black two piece.
Third is Varian, a seeming simple human adventurer.
The others kneel as the middle figure removes the darkness that appeared as his cloak. Announced as the 'Supreme Leader of Khorvian, Demon Lord of the Night, Slayer of the Plague Sisters, and Sole Chosen of Darkness, Matthew Wolfe.' He walks forward with authority and confidence. As his shadow grows longer behind him.
He waits for a motion or gesture for him to walk forward. Once done he walks up to Joe and offers his hand for a shake.
King Joseph makes a courtly bow and receives his guests.
"Good morning. And for some of you, Good evening, I imagine. My name is Joseph Alan Waskalis, King of Avalon. Welcome to Camelot. How was your trip?"