Arcanium

Game Master BloodWolven

Cayden laughs and states, "Yes he is the spymaster and scout. He has a few arcane tricks up his sleeve. There is a cooldown but as you can see it is about half a minute."

"Well, that sounds like something my friends and I should be able to handle. What time do the beasts revert? Sunset? Midnight? Somewhere in-between?" Stratton asks.

"Our best estimate is about three hours after sunset. We have some wondrous figurines in our gift shop we could offer as rewards, or perhaps you would prefer monetary compensation?"

"If you wouldn't mind, I'll leave that up to my friends. I'll ask who wants to tag along and we'll meet here around two hours after sunset to be on the safe side, if that's alright with you."

"Very well. I will inform the watch commander of your arrival."

Stratton nods, bowing slightly. "Pleasure to meet you, Mademoiselle."

He departs and winds his way back towards Old Reunions. Once he arrives, he takes the traditional toast and, seeing the others gone, moves to his room to do some research on Lady Black's ritual using the mask.

The cadenities reach the spire as Spade is casually waiting at the door flipping his dagger. "Its all good! The dragon is showing around a couple of groups of guards. They are about done. Oh look here they come!"

The satyr sighed with relief, then starts pouring drinks to those Familia member and regulars sin attendance, using his create water and enhance water abilities.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 44 ⇒ (15) + 44 = 59

The guards offer to leave a patrol of guards to secure the front doors for you, since you are a known group in good standing. As most of the guards take drinks offered by Zaidel. The captain and a few others abstain.

Eventually he walks down the stairs to investigate the merry making. As the drinks have spread, the tipsy guards began to sing. He would drink with the best of them but his mix of constitution and other abilities he doesn't become intoxicated.

Later that day once most if not all of the guards had left. He sat with the others and asked, "So what are the plans for today? Shall we head back to the Elrich manor. Maybe finish the dungeon quest."

The guards offer to leave a patrol of guards to secure the front doors for you, since you are a known group in good standing. As most of the guards take drinks offered by Zaidel. The captain and a few others abstain.

Matt sat with the others and asked, "So what are the plans for today? Shall we head back to the Elrich manor. Maybe finish the dungeon quest."

"Matt, you're gonna live in The Spire?" Zaidel asks. "Well, to be fair: it's a less rowdy place to raise a family than a temple/tavern/brothel. Plus, elves love Spires."

"Well, I'm gonna take Cayden to see Mia", the satyr said, with folded arms. "She requested his help in securing the Spire in the first place. Then, before we leave, I'll gather all the ladies who wish to leave The Spire and walk them and any belonging to Old Reunions, so we can start the process of sending the ladies back home. Or who knows. I doubt none of them met a diety before. I wouldn't be surprised if they decided to stay. Hopefully I'll be able to get to bed at a decent hour."

"But I would like to go back to Elrich Manor and to Owl Port proper. As far as I know, they still have the ankheg and displacer beast problems. But we're all not here, and should decide that as a group."

He states positively, "Yeah that is the plan, Mia needs defenders anyways."

Jean comes out of the tower and wanders over to the other two. With his super dragon senses he could hear the conversation from a distance and so he says, "I thought we were supposed to go deliver mail or something? I would be happy to finish the Elanor Manor quests instead, but the delivery quest seemed important to people."

Later that mid-afternoon, evening, Stratton comes down to see if anyone is around Old Reunions.

If he doesn't find anyone, he assumes maybe they went back to the Moving Fortress, and heads that way.

Could use some Amber-style trump cards. Or maybe just a cell phone. Don't really want to be tied down to one of those again, though.

b]"I thought we were supposed to go deliver mail or something? I would be happy to finish the Elanor Manor quests instead, but the delivery quest seemed important to people."[/b]

Zaidel sighs as he rubs his face in concentration. "I'm sorry, Jean. I'm trying to remember anything about a delivery quest. My mind has been on rescuing sex trafficked people..and other things."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 25

"We have a lot on our plates. Everything will work itself out though." Jean says.

He offers a bit flippetly, "Yeah there was a delivery quest. I believe Alexandr had the details. I don't have it on my list, did anyone else get it shared with them?"

"I don't think he has shared it with me yet either. I am not sure he knew how." Jean says.

"Yeah. It sounds like Alexandr is staying at The Spire with his vampire girls", Zaidel shrugged.

Stratton arrives at the Spire mid-afternoon.

"Hey, party people, what's up?" he asks smiling. "Anybody interested in a local quest at a magic museum taming some magical beasts?"

As Stratton explain the museum quest, Zaidel grimaces slightly.
"If I can get the refugees situated in Old Reunions, in a reasonable time, I will come along. My responsibility to my charges is my first priority right now, Stratton."

He states, "We have things handled here. Also the refugees situation likely won't change for at least a few days. We will need to arrange escorts and transportation. Zaidel it is your choice. Aurora and a few others will return to New Reunions."

"Well, Boss, you've had tons more experience freeing the shackled. If your willing to take over the relocation process, I'll assist Stratton and his museum quest", Zaidel bows to his deity. The satyr also shares a nod of thanks to Spade, Aurora, and the others who came.

He happily states, "Yeah I got this, go get some experience!"

"Thanks, Cayden! At least this should be a short quest, Zaidel, maybe get your mind off your worries here." Stratton smiles at Zaidel. "Although it may cut into your beauty sleep. Maybe try to sneak in a" ::wink:: "nap this afternoon."

Zaidel gives Stratton a small smile. "Maybe."

"This way, Boss", the cleric says as he ushers his god into The Spire, leading him to The Throne Room.

Cayden follows Zaidel to get the tour of the spire. Even with taking an hour or two you have plenty of time to get to the museum.

Jean will follow along with Zaidel and Cayden and comment on things he has noticed.

"Well, Stratrton. Lead the way", Zaidel asked the swordsman when the hour turned late.

"Right this way. I think you'll like Mademoiselle Hechburg." Stratton smiles, chatting idly with Zaidel as they walk. "And not just because she's female. A bit tightly wound, but that's understandable given her circumstances. Apparently, they keep several unusual beasts on display transformed to stone by some medusae hunters, but they've been coming to life at night. A bit more dangerous than Robin Williams, I think. She wants us to keep as many of them alive as possible."

"I know you've got a lot going on, so I appreciate you taking the time to help with this. Are you doing ok?"

Zaidel chuckles slightly at the astute oni.
"Yeah", the satyr says as he looks back at the Spire behind him.
I'll be alright. It's just something I, well 'we', have to get used to. All three of us are sublime beings: our lives will be fundamentally different from everyone else. As the Positive Energy continuous reinvigors our bodies, we shall never die of old age. Much like the person you have chosen to look like, we are essentially Immortal! We may see entire families age away. We could see Arcanium's Industrial Evolution! And we will likely know each other for hundreds or thousands of years.

"I guess the point I'm trying to make is, that for sublime beings like ourselves: it's never 'Goodbye', just 'See You later'. Who knows what the future will bring? Whatever it is, we will likely see it firsthand. Ultimately, like the Positive Energy that sustains us: Hope Springs Eternal."

The trio walk a little ways further, when Zaidel wrestles himself out of his thoughts.
"Stratton, have you considered the moral ramifications of this museum quest? This Mademoiselle Hechburg is asking us to help keep sentient beings in stony prisons. I'm not sure how I feel about it."

the thought stops Stratton in his tracks. "Actually, no that hadn't occurred to me. You think 'beasts' and forget about the 'magical' part. Come to think of it, I did see an Otyugh or two in there. They're usually smart enough to bargain and talk with. I wonder what kind of means she has of keeping intelligent creatures from merely leaving... although the thought of them turning back to stone elsewhere in the city probably isn't much more pleasant than in the museum."

He clicks his tongue. "Maybe instead of helping, we should shut it down? Maybe buy it out? Maybe convince the owner that having sentient creatures on display is not the best idea? I'm not entirely sure what we should do now...."

"I think we should continue with our meeting with Mademoiselle Hechburg and hear her out, but also mention our concerns", Zaidel nodded as he put a supportive shoulder on Stratton.

"Do you think these creatures could get out?" Jean asks, "Or are they being kept in poor conditions?"

As you get to the museum you see that the two story building has a few windows but thick bars make sure nothing will get in or out. After knocking on the front doors there is no response though a few minutes more and a guard walks up to your group, "Hail! Would you be Stratton and his crew?" After an affirmative he questions, "Just the three of you?"

"Yes, Mademoiselle Hechburg. I apologize. The other members of our party had other arrangements", the highly charasmatic satyr said. "I am Zaidel The Benevolent, Easier of Pain. You've met Stratton. And the powerful bronze dragon is Jean."
Diplomacy + Charming: 1d20 + 44 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 44 + 2 = 58
"Now. Full disclosure: I have some moral objection to taking this quest, Mademoiselle Hechburg. Please tell us how these creatures were taken as exhibits by your medusa hunters, and are any of them sentient creatures?"

As Zaidel jumps the gun, Stratton you are in charge RPing Mademoiselle Hechburg. The guard takes you around to the backyard, where you find a large yard filled with wooden cargo containers, wagons, and other large vessels. There is about a dozen guards on watch. One of the buildings has a red veil stretched across its front and looks like it is fastened there by nails. The guard leads you to a large oak door that has metal reinforcements. Another guard comes up and states, "Welcome to the museum, please let me through. I have the key." Once he gets through he unlocks the door and lifts on the handle. It opens slowly, it is several inches thick. You can see some scratches on the inside of the door. Once you go through the door is shut but not locked. You are in a records room with many shelves and thousands of papers. Most of the papers are bound in thread and organized on the shelves as others are loose leaf. The inner door opens and Mademoiselle Hechburg comes into the records room.

Mademoiselle Hechburg cannot help but be overwhelmed by the satyr's charm. She stares at him like a love-sick puppy. At the mention of his moral objections, she seems puzzled and saddened, her usually controlled face softening and a slight frown appearing briefly "Our hunters scour the wilds looking for beasts we have commissioned from them, usually requests from some of our more wealthy donors, but occasionally we also receive requests from some of the outlying villages and farms when a beast is attacking livestock or even the people themselves. The hunters are quite skilled, and rarely have to resort to .... damaging .... means of capture, leaving our displays in pristine natural poses...."

"Sure, some of the beasts are more clever than others, but they're all still just beasts after all. We do not include any humanoids, dragons, or the like in our displays."

Her voice goes very quiet "yes, I suppose the manticore has a face and can talk, but it also killed several members of the Othos farmstead."

She straightens herself up, hardening her face again, but their is a hint in her eyes of her uncertainty with the moral challenges. " In any case, the beasts are not physically harmed whenever possible, which we cannot say for their victims, nor for the guard they killed. When creatures are petrified, they are not consciously aware of their surroundings or the passage of time, so it is quite a humane way to display them, moreso, I dare say than keeping them in a cage."

Perception 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (16) + 17 = 33

Stratton watches the interaction between Zaidel and the curator, clearly anxious of the dilemma's resolution.

Earlier....

"Do you think these creatures could get out?" Jean asks, "Or are they being kept in poor conditions?"

"The possibility of them escaping is exactly what concerns Mademoiselle Hechburg. The museum seemed nicely appointed from what I could tell, but they are being displayed petrified."

Perception: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (8) + 27 = 35
Zaidel can't help notice the cute gnome's 'attributes', causing a slight stir under the satyr's kilt.
"Well, Mademoiselle Hechburg. You're explanation and reasoning appear logical, and no intelligent beings are suffering. As a cleric of Cayden Cailean, I don't see any ethical difficulties with this quest. Thank you for educating us."

"On another topic, I notice the veiled windows in the adjacent building. I'm assuming that is where the medusa hunters reside there. Have they any explanation for their revived quarries?"

Mademoiselle Hechburg quickly replies, "Yes indeed that is where some of our 'hunters' live. They do not have an explanation for their revived quarries."

"Anyone else have any questions?" Zaidel asked the other Aeria Gloris members.

"Sure, I've a few. I know we're supposed to do what we can to keep the beasts alive but render them unconscious. Where should we bring them when we have them in this state so that you may study them?" Stratton asks.

"Secure the room next to this one, it is an archival space. Once that is secured, bring them there and let me know the room is safe, and the hunters and I will move into that space. You may bring additional beasts there, but be sure to knock before you do so the hunters may don their veils." Hechburg responds. She subconsciously presses closer to Zaidel, her posture shifting slightly to better accentuate her curves. Her eyes flicker briefly towards Jean as she speaks the following, but her gaze inevitably draws itself back to the handsome satyr. "Jean, since the archways and doors of the structure are meant to ease transporting large beasts, you should have very little problems with maneuverability at least."

When there are no further questions, Mademoiselle Herchburg hands Zaidel the key to the wide set of doors on the opposite wall, letting her hand linger long enough while placing the key there that he can feel the heat coming off of it.

"Do be as gentle as you can." she says in a voice tinged with a bit of the sultry.

Zaidel smiles at the gnome. "It's a good Rule of Thumb for me. Any idea how many beasts will be loose?"

"It seems that each night there are more. The first night, it was only one, one of the three shocker lizards. We didn't know what was going on, only that we found it outside of its display. The next night, all three were moved. That's when I appointed a night watchman."

She sighs. "Unfortunately, the shocker lizards were joined by the Destrachan the very next night. The sounds were horrifying. I was never so grateful my late husband insisted on reinforced structuring."

"By our best recollection based on movements, there are three shocker lizards, a destrachan, two otyughs, and an allieagle that have been freed. The creatures seem to be getting larger as well as more numerous. We've taken the liberty of removing the shocker lizards and any other smaller creatures to containment cages as night approaches, but the larger ones we simply do not have containment facilities for. This means you may have to deal with the flail snail, gorilla bear, tigrilla, a couple of jungle gricks, or a bonesucker."

Stratton goes slightly pale "Those all sound... delightful." he says, dripping with sarcasm.

"Quite fascinating, really, as long as they're contained." Hechburg says, too wrapped up in Zaidel's musk and charm to notice the sarcasm.

Zaidel sighed. "Okay. Looks like we got a long night ahead." The satyr walked toward the locked doors with the key. Once the key is inserted, the cleric nods to the others, making sure they're ready. Once he gets the go-ahead, Zaidel unlocks the doors.

Beyond the double doors lies a huge gallery, perhaps 160 feet in each direction, with several roped-off areas and smaller glass displays along the walls, most of which have been shattered, but all of which have had their contents removed. Of the roped off areas, three still have displays of petrified flail snails in them, but five others are empty, including a huge area in the center of the display area. Three arches, wide enough for large creatures to easily pass through open into further display areas.

On the ceiling towards the far wall lurking over one of the arches, a slithering, multi-legged blue beast tilts its horned head at the party and then rears it back, ready to defend the territory it sees as its own.

Order: Jean and Stratton, behir, Zaidel

The behir is on the ceiling 40' up and 120' away. We'll call this direction "North"

Stratton says "Good thing we can all fly, right?" and activates his flight ability.

Trying and failing to recall what he can about behir, he flies upwards, but towards the eastern archway.

Knowledge (Arcana) 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 18

Arcana: 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (9) + 21 = 30

"Its a Behir...kind of like a dragon. It has electrical powers like me." Jean says to the others and then moves in and tries to talk it down in Draconic. "Hey there...we don't need to fight.

I forget if they speak so we will see if this works.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (19) + 26 = 45

Knowledge (arcana) + Loremaster: 10 + 18 = 28

Zaidel, pleased to see Jean take a non-violent means of ending a possible conflict, takes out his panpipes and plays a very calming melody in the background. The satyr uses one of his bardic performance to inspire competence, giving Jean's Diplomacy check a +2.

"Are you mocking me?" the behir asks angrily in common. "Damn dragons with your superior attitudes. This is my territory, dragon. Mock me at your own peril. You're still small enough to swallow."