The human Zaidel nods, removing the towel from his face.
"Coming up."
The caydenite produces to tall glasses, fills them with water, which changes to a reddish-orange color. Zaidel tops them with pieces of pineapple and cherries.
"Here you go ladies. These are called tequila Sunrises."
The outworldly-dressed human waves at the dragon.
"Yeah. It's me, Zaidel." Looking over to Cayden Cailean, the cleric continues. "The Boss lent me a greater hat of disguise, um, because I recently boosted my Charisma score off the charts with my latest imbide of Potion of Charisma. It's just temporary until we get to the function later."
They giggle and wink at Zaidel before clinking their drinks to each other and beginning to sip the drink... "Mmmm, that tastes so good!" she says.
"Yeah sure. The prowess and generosity of Zadidel the Benevolent has been seen by many and now he may have trouble parading around town unless he is properly in disguise. Heck I wanted to kiss him!" He offers as he continues making elven wine bottles with mithril bases and golden labels.
A bit carefree she says, "I like you without horns. So Jean when do you get the ability to polymorph? I can't wait to see your 'human' form."
The human Zaidel hangs his head in embarrassment as he keep serving The Drunken Hero shots.
"But if we are going where I think we are going, the hat comes off. And if your coming with, Mr. Bronze Dragon. Knowing you, if Cayden goes upstairs, run. And I don't mean, just away. I mean run for your life. Because you have told me that kind of thing does not interest you."
"Yeah, I do". Zaidel leans over the bar, closer to the bronze dragon. "I would still like to return to Owl Port and help them with their ankheg and displacer problems, but", the cleric stops looking over to his god, "well, I've been distracted. We could use some tactical knowledge on how to engage those monsters and free Owl Port from it's fear."
"And about what's underneath the mansion", the human Zaidel continues. "We are currently missing our most experienced adventurer and our druid. We are not at full power as a group. What do you think, Jean?"
He walks into the bar and nods to the bouncer. Taking a cup for him and his friend. After a sip he puts it down. He says, "Once he wakes up I will make sure he drinks it."
With that done and his new friend over his shoulder he comes over to the bar. He asks, "You have a good place for this uninitiated chosen?"
"Oh you must be wondering, he popped out of a portal and quickly fainted for the change and seeing magic... we all know how we were at the beginning."
"What you mean you don't have your super powers?" She asks amazed. Then with a start she says, "Wait that means you haven't made your wish yet!!! Oh boys and girls we are in for another ride, get ready! What were you thinking for your wish?"
"Oh look he woke up... I will leave him with your group, I still have patrol. Good luck sir, I will see you later." With that said he quickly turns and leaves the bar but then quickly comes back... With humility he asks, "Sir are you thirsty, please drink this." He grabs the mug from the counter and offers it to Stratton.
With a flick of her fingers and a quick incantation she creates a small mirror in her hand and offers it to Stratton. She pleasantly says, "Welcome to Arcanium. You are presently in the temple bar of Cayden Cailean within the town of New Faces. Do not take the red quest until Matthew returns. We will need him! I am sure it would upgrade to a B dungeon or even an A. We could do it though. Oh how rude of me, I am Mia Thornrose, Paladin of Cayden Cailean. And you would be?" She also offers her hand before her.
"Ha! I wish, no I could tell you wanted to have a look at your body. I know others have done that. In New Beginnings, I don't know if there was mirrors. Don't worry about your body status right now, we will whip you into shape, not literally. Also there are ways to get your body to become its prime shape." She offers.
With that accomplished the man in the glowing armor seems even more happy. He quickly adds, "For your troubles." He hands Stratton a small bag of coins before leaving the bar.
"Stratton Liberty, good to meet you. Yeah I am sure it is unlimited! That was ale from Cayden's holy barrel. If you were a demon or undead it would burn you. Yes lay of the land, hmmmm, lets start with introductions, this beauty beside me is Angelica. The bartender is our cleric of Cayden, Joe Zaidel. Sir Drystan brought you in and likely will pop in every now and then. A devout paladin. Jean, the bronze dragon, another chosen like you and Joe. Jeler the warlord, right?" A black long haired scottish terrier jumps up on Stratton's leg which she quickly adds, "Oh yes my familiar Jock. You were off playing, I introduced you. Oh and the buzzed man there crafting wine bottles, that would be our patron, Cayden Cailean!" She beams positively glowing with confidence.
"We would love it if you make your wish, or possibly join our group before that. Mia here is a special number that amplifies wishes. We will take care of you." She offers and reaches out her hand. Once you have it she says, "Angelica Delathor at your service! Nice to meet you Statton."
She nudges Angelica and scoffs. She tartly says, "I was getting to that, allowing the poor man to wrap his mind around simple things before we get into wish making, plus that is poor form."
Excitedly she quickly replies, "We are adventurers. Most of us are followers of Cayden. We are actually part of his Familia. We will get to that eventually. Have you even had a chance to select a class. Join our group and you will get two! With the wishes that many of us have made it works out with the more Chosen we have, the stronger we will be."
"Most of us are about having a good time, bravery, freedom, and drinks. We will get you started on the Daily Quest tomorrow. Get a good night's sleep and then the regime begins. Treasure hunters, freedom fighters, and raising everyone's spirit around us!" She exclaims summing it up with other words.
"Good day, Mr. Liberty", the human said, reaching out his hand. My name is Zaidel, humble cleric of Cayden Cailean. I'm normally a satyr, but I'm wearing a greater hat of disguise . May I get you something to drink?
When Zaidel offers him a drink, he turns towards him, saying "Pretty sure it's terrible luck to refuse a drink from a Cleric of Cayden, double so when in his presence. Sure thing, mix me up something fruity and fun, my good man."
Zaidel takes a moment to find a medium size glass. The cleric then casts create water into it, then casts enhance water to change it into an almost glowing green liquid.
As he was making the drink, the cleric expounds. "There is no bad luck involved in refusing a drink from a caydenite. As a follower of Cayden, we believe in the power of personal choice. Ultimately, we hope you will make choice for Good. But in regard to non-drinkers, I look to my favorite quote from Dave Gross's Lord of Runes, where Master Vencarlo Orisini, says, 'We do not condemn tea-tottlers, we pit them.'"Setting the green beverage before Stratton, Zaidel explains, "This is a Harry Potter themed drink called Avada Tequila. It has tequila, absinthe, and Mountain Dew. Enjoy!"
Circling back to Mia "Choose my, class, or classes, you say? So is this like a Gestalt situation then, or multiclassing or something of a mix. I heard a lot of clerics and paladins there in your group description. Need a trap-finder/frontliner? Or would you prefer something a bit more arcane in the mix? I'd have to give it serious thought either way." he gives an awkward smile, not 100% sure he's making sense.
"Remember what I said about Personal Choice", Zaidel looks on, wiping the bar down. "Be the class you want to be. Well, classes. Yes, as a member of Aeria Gloris, you automatically become a gestalt class, but we try to keep that on the down-low. We'll find a way to make you fit in, Stratton. Drink up."
Zaidel leans on the bar. "Aeria Gloris was a name decided by the members of the party. I beleive it means 'Glory, as The Wind' in Celestial. It is not the name of the familia." The human waves his hand toward the bronze dragon wyrmling Zaidel was talking to earlier. "Jean is a member of Aeria Gloris, but not a member of Cayden Caliean's familia. You are under no compulsion to become a caydenite, but the spiritual center of Aeria Gloris is Cayden worship." The cleric gives a slight shrug.
She states with interest, "Look out we have another warder coming in! Though I am sure Matthew would enjoy the competition and comradeship of having a fellow Warder. Having a rogue will be helpful for any traps that we may encounter."
She asks the group, "So is it really a boys night or can we come and see where you two have been running off to? Well we need to finish our daily quest either way so have fun, we are going to get all hot!" You can hear the innuendo drip from her statement.
Zaidel watches both ladies walk away. "Stratton. I have two weaknesses. Their names are Mia and Angelica."
"I don't really know, Stratton. The rest of us choose our classes and wishes in front of a young goddess of the Afterlife. It sounds like you didn't met her at all. Maybe..it just happens." Zaidel said with a perplexed shrug.
"Just think of a blue screen and reach out?" Stratton asks, reaching for an imaginary screen.
With a buzzed grin on his face, enjoying the effects of the alcohol, he slowly replies to Jean, "Why yes little dragon I do know where a few of the fabled Dragon Shrines are located. One is even located in New Faces, but without a god it is nearly impossible to reach." He lets that sink in before adding, "Good thing you know one," he then winks and blows a little air kiss in his drunken state.
He eventually picks himself up to a sitting position and asks, "What is it in for me? Maybe your next random loot box? Hmmmm..."
Stratton nods at Zaidel's comment. "I can see why, if Angelica is anywhere near as nice as Mia. What should I be doing now? is there someone I should be talking to about wishes, or some thing I should do to claim my classes or whatnot? I really don't have a clue as to how this is supposed to work."
With the some key words said, she quickly returns with Angelica in her trail, "Wishes? Let me know when you are ready, Angelica I guess we could put on a show until the wish is made. We will be over there, let us know when you are ready to make magic..." She lets her femininity do a lot of her talking and moves over to the stage but first she goes to the bar and leans over waiting to whisper to Joe.
There at the stage they begin to do situps... with a flair! "I need a pole or two!" she says thinking about her gymnastic days. 'Uncle would be so proud!' She thinks to herself.
---
With the pole now before her she begins to swing and dance from pole and then back to the first one. She is not a pole dancer but trying.
"I don't really know, Stratton. The rest of us choose our classes and wishes in front of a young goddess of the Afterlife. It sounds like you didn't met her at all. Maybe..it just happens." Zaidel said with a perplexed shrug.
He quickly adds to the conversation, "Gods are screw-ups too. Many of us were mortals originally. I believe the goddess of rebirth, Alethia, got taken by a Chosen. Now she is doing parlor tricks as a cleric of her own faith, beside that rogue of a Chosen. I am sure the one that took her place is making messes all over the place. Thus your *Poof* and without an introduction. You may want to ask a god who wished himself to that way accidentally... luck had a lot to do with it. Next you might want to talk with Matthew, he is a twice Chosen and survived to tell the tale. He also has over 30 years of experience being a good Dungeon Master, let alone being a teacher for half of those years. Ah but if you want the best wish crafter in the world, call upon Jellena the mouthpiece and oracle of the Mistress. Her curves will make you dizzy. She was in New Faces just a few days ago at the gods' ball. Well what will it be then? Ask me your questions, wait for Matthew for hopefully just a week, or track down Jellena?"
---
At the mention of a pole, he points over at the stage and says, "Your wish is my command!" Two silver poles emerge from the stage ready for use by the willing ladies.
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As Stratton reaches out for the blue screen it appears before you and asks a question:
Will you accept being a player?
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Yes / No
Once you accept it another blue screen appears:
*** Welcome! ***
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You are now a Chosen. We apologize for your lack of assistance and for any confusion on your part. This system was designed to help individuals like yourself to better one self and prepare you to defeat the Dark Ones.
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*** Mission Accomplished! ***
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Quest: Finding new friends
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You have found fellow Chosen and may join with them of your choice.
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1st Reward: A Soul Shard, Collar of friendship, bracelet of frienship, Ipad of Glorious Knowledge or whip of control.
2nd Reward: Random Loot box
3rd Reward: Daily Quest opens to you.
Once you dismiss the blue screen a few more pop up:
You may now see your inventory, character sheet, and current quests.
---
Would you like to accept the daily quest, your first acceptance of the quest must be completed by midnight of the next night. Otherwise a penalty will be administered to you.
Looking over your inventory you see that you came with many of your possessions from when you were on Earth. Also there are a few strange things: A bottle of living water, a splinter from the World Tree, a couple of dates, and a black stone with swirls on it. Nothing is described for you on the items but when you click or accept the black stone it would appear in your hand and a screen pops up from it:
This is a wishing stone, it is apart of the strongest magics of the lands. It is a wish that is given to all Chosen when they enter a realm like Arcanium. May the wish bring you great power, good luck player!
the blessings of the gods:
A ritual done by a divine caster, typically a priest, offering the protection of the gods. It involves talking about the different gods. Upon completion of it you gain an amulet of resurrection.
The priest tells Jacen about the 25 patheons of gods that have come from the First World. The Chosen's world called Earth. All of the gods reside here in Arcanium in one way or another but many of them live as demigods with their Chosen and followers. With the Divine Accordes if a diety wants to have direct contact with their followers they must suppress 99% of their divine powers. Most of them are still immortal and with more followers they gain power. There are the Olympians and their twelve variations. If a God was given power in Earth, they are here too.
He tells you about the power and promise of the gods, which grants everyone an amulet of ressurection the first time you hear about the blessings.
---
Mission Accomplished!
You have gained an amulet of resurrection!
At the bottom it does ask, Do you accept your reward?
Yes/No.
To Cayden, Stratton replies somewhat hesitatingly "Thank you. Erm, forgive me for not asking you in the first place. it's just I haven't really talked to a god since I was a young man, and certainly none has every spoken a word I could hear with my own ears. It would be a great honor to have you guide me through this process. While your ascension may have been unusual, and luck played a part, there was also skill, bravery, and a willingness to face the unknown, all qualities I admire in a mortal or a god."
----
With the blue screen up, he says to Cayden "While a bit of guidance, especially on the wish, is very much requested, some of these things I believe I will need to do by instinct and let my gut tell me what to do. I will join, by their gracious invitation, the Aeria Gloris." his eye wanders from Cayden to the show on the stage, lingering an appreciative moment or two.
And then, to prove to himself, Cayden, and fates themselves the honesty of his words about chosings, he touches the Soul Shard choice, trying to activate it as a choice, as well as the random loot box. "I think the Daily Quest should perhaps wait until after this old body is transformed by the wish, yeah?"
"I'm looking to be transformed into something with a less frail body, one that recovers quickly from wounds and is quite strong and quick.... Trolls are too ugly, but Onis can look like whatever they want, right? What would be the best way for me to wish to have the qualities of an Oni, maybe one that takes on human appearances like a Kuwa? I'd want to gain as many of their abilities/stats/etc as I can while retaining my own personality and not being corrupted by evil like Onis usually are." he looks at Cayden for advice on the proper wishing format. He chuckles a bit. "Plus, that way, I can make myself look like Adrian Paul most of the time to honor Cheryl."
"Don't forget to tell him about the blessings of the gods and that handy necklace!"
As she whispers to Joe she touches her own necklace before kissing his cheek and running off.There at the stage they begin to do situps... with a flair! "I need a pole or two!" she says thinking about her gymnastic days. 'Uncle would be so proud!' She thinks to herself.
With the pole now before her she begins to swing and dance from pole and then back to the first one. She is not a pole dancer but trying.
Zaidel gasps slightly. "You're right, thanks!" Joe whispers as the caydenite paladin leaves for the stage.
The cleric walks over to the new warder. "As a Chosen, you get to take part in a ritual called The Blessing of The Gods. I can walk you through it. The ritual should take about 15 minutes."
Joe tells Stratton about the 25 pantheons of gods that have come from the First World. The Chosen's world called Earth. All of the gods reside here in Arcanium in one way or another but many of them live as demigods with their Chosen and followers. With the Divine Accords if a deity wants to have direct contact with their followers they must suppress 99% of their divine powers. Most of them are still immortal and with more followers they gain power. There are the Olympians and their twelve variations. If a God was given power in Earth, they are here too.
He tells you about the power and promise of the gods, which grants everyone an amulet of resurrection the first time you hear about the blessings.
Stratton's ritual takes a bit longer than 15 minutes, due to the distracting nature of Mia's and Angelica's exercise dance routine.
"Thank you, Zaidel. Meeting the gods, even in a self-imposed limited form, should be very interesting to say the least." Stratton says after the ritual os completed. "So, do I wear this in case I die, or does it get placed on someone after they die?"
The human Zaidel looked like he was about to say something, but stopped. "You know, young Stratton. I don't know. I just keep the necklace on at all times. That way I'm covered for any accidental death. Or possible assassination."