The satyr ponders with brow furrowed.
"It is better to see Arcanium from the ground. We can focus on our Survival skils, forage and hunt on the way."
Zaidel holds his hand us. "Water won't be an issue. And with prestidigitation, sanitation won't be an issue either.
And I am fey; nature's my thing!"
"I can fly myself of course," Krysta said, flexing her wings, "and I can carry someone too if I need to."
Zaidel looks around, noticing none of the other members are voicing their concerns.
"I think it's just us four", the cleric realizes. "If it's just us four, then Ramie and I can ride Jean, while Krysta flies on her own!"
"I think it's just us four", the cleric realizes. "If it's just us four, then Ramie and I can ride Jean, while Krysta flies on her own!"
"And tonight, when we camp, I'll ask you all to drink to Cayden Cailean with me, which will allow me to wish to change my fly spell-like ability from 3 times a day to at-will. So, the next day, the load will be lighter", the satyr explains to the bronze dragon.
Zaidel looks around, noticing none of the other members are voicing their concerns.
"I think it's just us four", the cleric realizes. "If it's just us four, then Ramie and I can ride Jean, while Krysta flies on her own!"
Ramie swallows obviously, "Um... sure. If that's ok with you, Jean. I can just wait til we're on solid ground again before I summon the Floof."
He activates his portal and steps through the blue shimmering town portal. Alia follows him.
"I can carry you two, but I am not a mount. So it will be safer if I just hold you." Jean says.
"Hey, Jean!" The satyr cooed, noticing the draconic ire rise in his friend.
"No one said you were a mount! But..you have to admit, you are at your coolest when you're flying. I mean, kids today are gonna tell their grandkids about that one time they say you flying over their forest. Heck! Witnessing a dragon in flight can inspire bards and awaken sorcerous powers in others!Flying with a dragon is just badass."
The satyr walks upstairs to The Living Libraries. There, Zaidel enters The Whispering Stacks.
Once Zaidel gets his bearing, the cleric talks out the route from New Faces. "So. I open the portal to New Faces. Then we make our way to Owl Port. New Faces if the closet drop off location we currently have to Owl Port", Zaidel explains. "Sound good?"
Before they leave, Zaidel kisses his goodbyes to Queen Mia, Angelica, and the Locke Family.
"Krysta!" Zaidel called. "Shake that little draconic butt! We're leaving soon!"
Ramie closes her eyes and hums to herself, trying to forget that she's just a claw twitch away from falling out of the sky... again.
"Boss. Aurora. Jean, Ramie, Krysta and I are going back to Owl Port to clean out our mansions of undead. Once we get settled, you both are always welcome."
Looking to Cayden, Zaidel continued. "Owl Port is where I'll begin my ministry, and my mansion will be it's headquarters. If you both are going back to New Faces, could you please put up some adverts for followers for me in New Reunions. When I level next, I'll be acquiring followers and a cohort", the satyr smiled with crossed fingers.
With everyone gathered, Zaidel pressed the blue door tattoo on his shoulder, activating the portal.
As Zaidel follows the other three through the portal, it dissipates behind him. All four stand outside a raucous multi-floored building.
"Ramie. Krysta. This is Old Reunions. Cayden Cailean's major temple, tavern, and brothel in New Faces."
Krysta was ready by the time Zaidel called for her to shake her draconic butt and quickly moved to follow. "On my way!"
Krysta stepped through the portal and out the other side into the four-story building and looked around curiously even as she felt herself become shy at the crowd. The description of the place made her eyes go even wider as she found herself in such a place and wasn't quite sure what to do now that she had arrived.
There is a hustle and a bustle around Old Reunions but not many hawkers or wagon merchants.
Another blue portal remains next to Zaidel's.
Matt is a wife and father. I feel guilty asking him to come along. I try not to be the reason Arthur and the daughters don't have their father around."
The cleric bows his head to Cayden. "Next time I see Matthew, we'll sit down and talk. As True Caydenites." Zaidel need nods affirmatively at his deity.
"Aurora." Zaidel whispered. "This is the first time I heard you proclaim your feelings."
The cleric blinked. "I love you too. And I look forward to being there for our child."
"Besides I have a strong feeling that little bundle in your belly will become a godling like you", Zaidel says, loud enough for Cayden to add.
"I took the Spark of Divinity feat before we..", Zaidel falters next to Cayden. "we created those portraits together. So technically, we are both godlings."
Amazed by your words she seems speechless for a while. "That will be interesting for sure. Our little bundle of joy will likely keep us very occupied."
The Ember Drift occurred two nights ago on the full moon. Magical embers floated down from the skies—remnants of a failed astral incursion. Some embers hold memories, spells, or even sentience. An ember bonded to a child, causing terrifying magical outbursts. The family seeks help.
The Shifting Bazaar is a magical marketplace that appears in a different district each week, offering rare and cursed items. A cursed item purchased at the bazaar has transformed its owner into a stone statue mid-transaction. There is a request/bounty to track down the wandering stall before it vanishes again.
Golems used for city maintenance begin to act with sentience. One has even filed for citizenship.
A noblewoman's heart—literally a magical glass heart—is stolen before her arranged marriage.
The House of Unending Threads is composed of seers and fate-weavers. A new prophecy has gone missing, and they suspect one of their own of rewriting fate. The bounty is to recover a tapestry before it unravels reality itself.
The Blighted Candle a group of necromantic vigilantes have seen a spike in undead activity which suggests that one of their lieutenants is summoning for personal gain. The group offers a bounty, of services or gold, in exchange for help cleansing their ranks.
Faces are being swapped from a certain shop which has no name. Its hard to find but if you need a quick way or have a need for a face change you can easily find it.
---
Magical Oddities and Urban Legends
The Alley That Remembers: An alley that replays memories of those who walk it at midnight. A recent vision reveals a murder yet to happen.
The Book That Writes You: A sentient book is found in a street stall; it’s begun to chronicle the party's life with unnerving accuracy—including events yet to come.
The Clockwork Beggar: A metal beggar tells fortunes that always come true—if the recipient pays with something they love.
She hesitantly states, "Outside of bed, perhaps. I know you will, you are locked in with us." She gives you a knowing look.
Zaidel leans down and gives a sincere kiss on the lips. "I'd like us to sit down and have a nice long talk next time we meet, please? The Grandafather of my child is my deity, and the Mother of my child is the daughter of two gods. You. Us. Are all Special."
"So are we back on the clock with our daily quest? Meaning we need to do that before we lock ourselves into something else?" Ramie asks, not wanting to risk the nasty consequences.
Zaidel blinked. "I didn't see any notifications the Daily Quest was back, just noting The Daily Quest will likely start again soon. Let's ask."
"Blue Screen." A translucent glowing blue pane floats over the satyr's head. "Query? When are The Daily Quest scheduled to continue?"
The blue screen reads as follows:
Greetings Chosen One,
You may resume your progress on your daily quests after you gain adequate experience.
Would you like your present experience status to be shown?
---
Yes / No
31 / 1,000
After that is settled another prompt appears:
Would you like to take the penalty challenge to gain some rewards or would you like to waive it? No penalties if waived but also no rewards.
---
Yes / No
Then a golden screen appears:
Waive the challenge, you have been warned.
Zaidel looks up at the screens. "I'm going to purge several manors infested with undead. I don't need another challenge."
The satyr reaches up and clicks [No].
It looks like Jean is having his own adventure in New Faces. Zaidel waits to hear from the ladies, but it looks like we are spending a day in town.
Ramie follows suit and waves the challenge. "This is where you started out, right Zaidel? Any old friends you want to visit?"
"Not quite", Zaidel explains. "I first was in Cayden's presence in The Temple of the Gods in New Beginnings. A town that appears to be the starting hub for Arcanium's Chosen. No. This is where I found a fully-incorporated Cayden Cailean, in divine flesh. And the first time I met Aurora."
"I will try to do my clerical duties: find any sick or injured, you know. I'll likely perform some songs after a few drinks. Oh! The first one is free! I'll buy your second. I'll show you."
The mug of frothy beer with two rapiers underneath, the symbol Cayden Cailean, covers the open front door. Also taking a bit more time looking you can see other possible odes to the god. A large mug is above the fireplace and two rapiers are set on the wall under it. As each of the metal mugs have crossing blades etched on them.
The bouncer looks up at you a bit confused then changes his frown to a smile. In a quiet friendly voice he offers, "Welcome to Old Reunions, a tavern that doubles as the temple to Cayden Cailean. Please take a mug and take from the God's cauldron. As testament to his glory it shall never be empty and taking it allows you entry into the tavern. You may drink from it as much as you wish but if you want stronger or more unique drinks you may pay for them at the bar."
"Hello, my good sir!" Zaidel exclaims coming up from behind the ladies. "How's it going?" The cleric offers the bouncer a handshake and a hug.
"Notice any injured inside?"
The bouncers eyes bulge slighty when Zaidel come into view. "Greetings, 'high priest'", the bouncer chuckles. "No injuries that I'm aware of.
But we also haven't had any brawls yet. So, it'll be nice to have a cleric on the premises."
The bouncer looks to the Ramie and Krysta with the satyr. "Have a good evening, ladies."
Zaidel passes the cauldron and dips his tankard. The cleric walks through the door into the main hall. "PRAISE BE THE DRUNKEN GOD!"
Bob the Bouncer offers, "If you want to help heal the temple of Sarenrae is always looking for help."
The patrons and the staff take a moment to cheer and repeat the words, "PRAISE BE THE DRUNKEN GOD!"
Jean looks over the books and points to the one telling their story. "I am interested in that one...how much would a tome like that cost?"
The old scraggly guy, you assume is a dwarf, says in his gravelly voice, "500 gold. Or I would be interested in a trade."
Bob the Bouncer offers, "If you want to help heal the temple of Sarenrae is always looking for help."
"Some other time. Or by invitation", Zaidel answered. "For now, I have faithful to administer to."
Zaidel The Benevolent, Easier of Pain, Fateweaver when from table to table, introducing himself and being a social flower. Once he makes a full pass around the barroom, the cleric returns to Ramie and Krysta and sits down.
"No actually I am just rather lucky to find such items. Then make a hefty profit off of them. The book may be worth more, it could also be cursed." The man states with a laugh.
After a few minutes, a scraggly fellow in fine green livery, a golden circlet resting on his head comes walking up to the table. He has other golden and bronze pieces, an amulet, several bangling bracelets on each wrist and a ring on every other finger. The rings are a diverse set, one is gaudily large with a ruby dominating it, a black one with etchings that can barely be seen, a wooden ring with a leaf that seems to be bursting from it, and other golden rings with and without gems.
A rustic charm follows him as he is ruggedly handsome. To accentuate it you see his boots are caked with mud, his scabbard on his left side is scratched and torn in multiple spots, lastly his silver pistol has grime in most of the tight parts. Zaidel stands up and extends his hand in a handshake. ”Spade! You look great!”
”Right back at you, 'high priest'”, the fellow said with a smirk.
Zaidel turned to Ramie and Krysta. ”Ladies. This is another member of Cayden Cailean's Familia. This is Spade of Steel. He runs Old Reunions for Cayden.”
”Good evening, ladies”, Spade said with a coy smile. ”Groupies?” The rogue asked the satyr.
”No. New members of Aeria Gloris. This is Ramie; bardic summoner of Desna's Familia. And Krysta, draconic ninja for The Mistress.”
”Charmed”, Spade smiled as he bow and offered his hand. ”You got some time, Zaidel? Last time you performed, you helped this temple make it's quarterly earnings. Entertain the guests, and let the gold roll in!”
”Fine”, Zaidel answers as he drinks the last of his ale. ”I've got some things to talk to the faithful about. Ramie and Krysta's next drink goes on my tab.”
”Noted. I'll introduce you!” Spade says hurriedly as he walks up to the stage.
Spade walks up to the stage, taking out a small wand from his pocket and holding to his throat.
”Glory be to Cayden! Greetings everyone! Old Reunions's 'high priest' and New Face's own, Zaidel The Benevolent, Easier of Pain, and Fateweaver will now take the stage. Please give him a round of applause!” Spade's voice seems magically louder than before.
The crowd starts applauding as other patrons begin to slowly trickle in the door and find seats.
”Cayden, Be praised!!” Zaidel roared. ”CAYDEN BE PRAISED!!” The crowd answered, the applauded.
”Thank you, my fellow caydenites and friends of caydenites! Welcome to Old Reunions! Temple to the Awesome! The Amazing! Cayden Cailean! Drunken God of HEROES!!”
The crowd roars in response.
”And I am, apparently, High Priest of this temple/tavern/bordelio, Zaidel The Benevolent! I shall now begin service in my usual way.”
Zaidel casts summon instrument and a fine acoustic guitar lands in his hands. The satyr then casts ghost sounds to add the backbeat and other instruments.
Everything – Hootch
The room roars with applause.
”Thank you all very ,much! You are all too kind!” Zaidel bowed slightly to the audience.
”So what have I been up to? Well, immediately after my last performance here at Old Reunions, my adventuring party, Aeria Gloris, had been given a quest from Krazok Vell Firesource, a gold half-dragon and warrior and majordomo to The Golden Monarch of The Golden Glade!”
The satyr then goes into detail where the Golden Grove is for the audience. Then the cleric tells the crowd his story of going undercover in the seedy unauthorized cantina on The Golden Monarch's lands, and how he could not, in good conscience, help to shut down a cantina, though very rough around the edges, having Cayden's spirit within it.
Zaidel told of how then traveled to The Golden Grove, with Jean, the powerful bronze dragon's help. Then the bard told of the various quests the party did The Golden Grove and The Golden Monarch, introducing Ramie and Krysta as new members of Aeria Gloris to the audience, with a hoots and hollars directed toward the kitsune and crystal half-dragon.
”Now I'm not saying a spontaneous orgy occurred due to my presence, but I am slightly leerly of returning, despite The Golden Monarch's invitation”, Zaidel smiled wryly.
The crowd laughed and applauded the story. ”Now back to some music!” Zaidel shouted.
Molly Hatchet – Flirtin' With Disaster
Moody Blues – Tuesday Afternoon
Mr. Mister – Broken Wings
Zaidel bows as the applause dies down. ”Thank you. Thank you all. I'm so glad I could be with you all today in this most hallowed temple. For I have something to tell you all. After this performance, I will be leaving for Owl Port, a quaint little lakeshore community. And with Cayden Cailean's permission, I will be founding a caydenite commune!”
The crowd gasps and murmurs. ”Yes. I know! I will continue to work closely with 'The Father Church', Old Reunions; but anyone who wishes to study becoming a caydenite and eventually taking the sacred vows of a cleric, or study with me to learn the bardic way, or train as a swashbucker and arm of Cayden Cailean, come to Owl Port! All are welcome! I also seek trademan, builders and farmhands to help make Cayden's new commune a success. All will start out living in my mansion, but we'll have to build more buildings to make more room.”
”Alright! I've said my peace! Now for some more music! 1-2-3-4!”
Patty Smyth – The Warrior
Peter Gabriel – Big Time
The Police – Everything She Does Is Magic
Queen – Fat Bottom Girls
Robert Palmer – Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor Doctor)
Robert Plant – Tall Cool One
Roxy Music – Love Is The Drug
Squeeze – Coffee In Bed
Zaidel steps forward to bow to the thunderous applause, and cheers made to the Drunken God!
Such events include going to Owl Port, clearing out your mansions of dangerous creatures, including a huge troll next to Jean's house and a vampire nest in Zaidel's.
---
The other books on sale would be:
The Tome of Endless Lore - This ancient tome contains answers to nearly any question.
The Grimoire of False Power - Appears to grant the reader access to powerful spells.
The Libram of the Crimson Pact - A blood-bound book that allows a non-caster to gain the abilities of a sorcerer (level 6) for 24 hours.
The Scholar’s Final Argument - This pristine volume presents itself as a guide to perfect debate and rhetoric.
The Grimoire of the Bleeding Oath - Bound in stitched flesh and inked in blood, this book offers access to potent blood magic.
After the performance, Zaidel sits back down with Ramie and Krysta, glistening from the effort. Several people come up t the table to congratulate the satyr on his amazing performance. Some also come up to ask more questions about the Owl Port Commune, like where is Owl Port, for example.
"I guess we wait here until Jean returns", Zaidel smiled, taking an offered drink from an admirer. The satyr then slips his horn bangle into his drink. "Praise be Cayden Cailean! The Boss! The God of Heroes!" Tables around him erupt in matching sentiments.
"I wish ability to fly increases from three times a day to at-will." Zaidel said under his breath, then drank the offered drink down.
+ luck modifier