Archived:The Lost Throne Quest

Note: This quest is connected/influenced by the corresponding mission, Mission: The Gilded Throne.

Questors
1. James Maelstrom, Mael

2. Zayden Tanberry, Broken

3. Automaton 135, User:Jacob.radon24

Prophesy
Prophesies are for wimps! Or maybe not. The point is, there isn't one.

private helipad
This helipad is on the ground level... in Manhattan? The owners must be rich. It's in an enclosed area, but the only thing in the way is a chain link fence.

demigod holding lab
The lab has a few desks with chairs and notes scattered about. The walls are lined with cabinets and a computer in the corner is displaying what appear to be DNA patterns. There are two separate cells. The cells are tiled on all sides except one. The other sides are large windows with small slits for air on the top and a door on the side. In one corner of the lab, several tools lie about.

More locations will be added as they are reached to preserve the surprise.

Point Genesis
''The questors have arranged to meet for the first time at the helipad. This is where it begins.''

James: James paces back and forth uncomfortably, waiting for the others to arrive.

Automaton: marches to James and bow to him Good morning James. Why are you troubled?

James: Looks up. Hmm? Oh, I'm just a bit on-edge. This the first quest I've ever been on and I'm technically the leader. It's really beyond anything I've ever tried to do before.

Zayden: Nah, it'll be easy.. I guess. Anyways, I'm Zayden, son of Apate.

James: Oh, how long have you been standing there? Well anyway, I'm James, son of Boreas, and this is... Gestures for Automaton to introduce himself.

Automaton: bows to them I am Automaton 135, a creation of Hephaestus

Zayden: gestures to the helipad Can we start going now? We can talk more later anyways

James: Absolutely. James looks around to make sure no one is watching before gathering his wind power and vaulting over the fence.

Zayden: simply climbs the fence with ease as he has done these before

James: I hate to ask, but who was Apate again? He sounds like a tropical fruit, but that seems unlikely.

Zayden: he makes it across and heads for the ride Goddess of Deceit, trickery, lies. For short, I can fool and hack and manipulate. No biggie. Also, it s a she.

James: Wow, the god of deceit is a goddess? I bet the feminist groups just love that. There should be a secret passage down here somewhere.

Automaton: Follows them closely from behind

James: Hey Auto, do you have a scanner or something that might help us out here?

Automaton That depends, what do you wish for me to scan for?

James: Well, supposedly the people who stole the throne took it underground from here. That's when Boreas lost track of them. We need to follow them, but first we need to find out how they got underground. James is poking around in the shrubbery. So if you could scan for a trap door or something, that would be great.

Automaton: nods and scans around making a small beeping sound before stopping and pointing over to a tree On the otherside of that tree appears to be a hatch of some kind, maybe check there.

Zayden: Try it, James.

James: Nods and walks around to the other side of the tree. Aha! Yes, this reeks of secrecy... and unnecessarily high building budgets. James yanks open a door hidden in the tree. Well, it goes straight down, and has one of those obnoxious, completely vertical ladders. Who wants to o first?

Automaton: walks into the hatch and falls 30 feet before hitting the ground, causing a little tremor It is safe. he calls up

James: Fantastic, I didn't want to be stealthy anyway. ''James leaps into the hole and slowly descends on an updraft, landing safely in a long hallway. The hall is lit by dim, flickering lights.'' I guess they blew their electronics budget on secret tree-doors. Zayden! he calls back up, You're up next!

Zayden: simply follows them and brushes off the dirt 

James: Well, this tunnel seems pretty straightforward. The party moves to the end of the tunnel, where they find a heavy, metal door. I don't suppose they left the door unlocked. He tries the door. Nope, but it was worth a shot. Any ideas.

Zayden: his maces appear We could try

Automaton: Stand back. pulls his arm back and punches the door

''The door now has a large dent in it. A siren begins to blare.''

James: Auto, let's talk subtlety for a moment. You see, when entering an enemy base-- coughs When entering an enemy base, it's generally best to-- coughs several times. What is this? Do you smell it? It's... wha...?

''Gas fills the hall, knocking out both demigods. The door opens and a strange man in a gas mask with several tools hanging from his belt pokes his head out.''

Strange Man: Agh! You're a 'ton! ''The man scrambles for something in his back pocket. He pulls out a metal sphere with strange markings on it and tosses it at Automaton #135. A field of energy engulfs him and he goes temporarily offline.''

Imprisonment
''The party wakes up in a strange laboratory. The lab has a few desks with chairs and notes scattered about. The walls are lined with cabinets and a computer in the corner is displaying what appear to be DNA patterns. Both demigods are in separate cells. The cells are tiled on all sides except one. The other sides are large windows with small slits for air on the top and a door on the side. The automaton is belted down to a table with several cables. In that corner of the lab a few tools lie about.''

Zayden: wakes up from unconsciousness Wh-where... his eyes widen gods... he immediately examines the cell 

''The only thing in the cell is a cot. The door appears to be locked from the other side with a very heavy padlock, but it's hard to tell.''

James: Zayden? Is that you? ''The cells are next to each other so the demigods cannot see each other. They can see Automaton 135's table though.''

Zayden: Yea. They shut him down, we have to get out...somehow

James: I've already tried smashing the window. It seems to be really thick.

Zayden: Were or are there any guards outside the room?

James: I haven't seen any since I woke up. I wonder why we're being kept here and not killed or something.

Zayden: They need something from us or were bait which is exactly the same

James: Well, it's not exactly the same, but I can see why--

''Suddenly, a man walks into the room. He is wearing a lab coat, carrying a clipboard, and has unusually long, brown hair.''

Charles: Ah! You are awake already! Very good! He says in a cheerful demeanor. My name is Charles. It's so very good of you to drop by. We usually have to go to great length to find fine people like yourselves.

Automaton:'' He reboots and his blue eyes flash on the monitors. He tried to speak but his voice comes out like he as been breathing helium'' James? Zayden? Oh no my voice box must have been damaged.

James: We're here. It seems we're prisoners. Can you think of a more stellar way to begin my first quest? His voice resonates with depressed irony.

Charles: ''He seems to notice the automaton for the first time. He seems annoyed and pulls a radio out his deep pockets.'' Art, I told you to keep your toys out of my laboratory. ''He says into the radio, pronouncing every syllable of "laboratory." After a pause he continues,'' I don't care, get it out of here. ''He hangs up. Then cheerfully continues,'' Sorry, friends. Some of my colleagues lack ambition.

Automaton: In the name of Hephaestus I order you to let us go. Or else. Why do you have us here?

Charles: Irritated. Why does Art need to have keep such noisy things around? I do not fear the machine's creator. Nonetheless, the machine's question is valid. Trying to be cheerful again. All you need to know is that you are all here to be studied; that is all. I've taken the liberty of taking a small blood sample from the two of you. I hope you don't mind.

Zayden: stays quiet as he observes the room and cell and brainstorms

James: Yes, I do mind. Why are you studying us anyway?

Charles: I'm sorry; I'm afraid the answer to that is rather complicated. Let's move on--

James: We have time. Explain it.

Charles: Laughs. You don't seem to understand. I'm studying you, not the other way around. Here's what I've learned so far. Number one, you two are demigods; judging by that orange shirt, you are from the camp. Number two, you came down here in a group, so it probably wasn't an accident; you're probably on a quest of some kind. Number three, judging by the fact that your normal body temperature is a few degrees lower than normal, that your hand usage implies that you are ambidextrous, and that you chose to wear only a light jacket in February, I'd guess that you are a child of Boreas. He turns to Zayden. You, on the other hand, are much harder to determine. Now is this correct?

Zayden: I take pride in that he smirks  

Automaton: This still dose not answer how you know about demigods.

Zayden: looks at Unit 135 for him to continue and try to irritate Charles

Charles: Grits his teeth. Machine, do you have no manners? Fine. I know of the demigods because I'm not blind. Now shut up.

Zayden: Oh really? A simple assumption won't do you any good. It's quite a shame he plots to outsmart then trick Charles with an illusion later on

Charles: I try to make my questionings a comfortable and relaxing experience. You are making that very difficult for me. Now, I have some simple questions for you. Let's start with you name, age, the age when your powers appeared, and the nature of the process as far as you understand it, and remember, this is for prosperity so please be honest.

Zayden: Easy then. Zayden. Lost count after 500. Forgot.

James: Bartholomew Cubbins. 6 years in the future. I was bit by a radioactive snowflake.

Charles: Raises an eyebrow. Your sarcasm is not very helpful to my studies. Now, Zayden. Did you say 500? Forgive me if I'm a bit skeptical...

Zayden: Yea, over 500. A spirit or a demigod. A ghost or a satyr. A mortal or a priest. Well, you have a lot of options there, my good man.

Charles: Interesting, He writes something on his clipboard. but I am well aware that you are a demigod. I am merely not sure who you parents are. Would you care to elaborate?

Zayden: Really now? Would a demigod be able to... Can I have a glass of water?

OOC:What will happen? :3

Charles: Zayden, I respect your intelligence, please respect mine. I have been studying demigods for years; I know how to identify them. And yes, you may have a glass of water.

''At that moment another man walks into the room. He is wearing greasy clothes, like he's been working in an auto shop. He is the man who was wearing the gas mask.''

Charles: Briefly distracted, Art, it's good to see you. Get your metal trash out of my laboratory, please.

Art: Listen, there just ain't any room left in my hanger.

Charles: Then make room! Throw something out!

Art: angry. Oh, yeah. I'll go do that: throw out the materials for the only area of our study that's making any dang progress!

Charles: Very upset. I am making progress! Your project will never have the same potential as mine!

Art: That the way you see it? Fine then! You just keep on doing what you're doing, but you can do it with a 'ton in your office. I'll pick it up later! He storms out, but more words echo from the other side of the door. You'll never figure it out, Charles! Divine power can't be duplicated!

Charles: Art! Get back here and take this scrapheap! Mumbles under his breath, idiot...

The whole exchange took only seconds.

James: Seriously?

Charles: Charles regains some composure, but his face is a bit red. I'll get your water, Zayden. Please wait a moment. He leave the room.

OOC: I should have mentioned this before, but it slipped my mind. James's swords have been taken away and are on one of the desks. Zayden still has his maces because they are disguised. Also, that post thing you're using leaves unnatural gaps in between posts.

Automaton: Who was that? And I am not a scrapheap!

James: I guess that was Art. Looks like he doesn't get along with Lab Coat very well.

Zayden: Since you know us, it would only be fair if we know you as well.

James: Who are you talking to? Labby left the room.

Charles: But I heard, nonetheless. He returns with a glass of water, and walks over to Zayden's cell. That is fair, but I will only answer one, maybe two questions. Then you must answer mine. Please step away from the door so I can insert this water.

Zayden: ''follows instructions and moves to the side. Once he got the water, he smells for poison then drinks a half of the glass, leaving half for later'' James, you ask.

James: James thinks carefully for a moment. What exactly is this... establishment? What is the purpose of these studies?

Charles: Aha, going for the big questions. Unfortunately, I can't answer those in too much detail right now. To answer your first question, our organization calls itself the "Desecrators," although I would prefer to call ourselves, the "Refiners." We consist of a few, remarkable individuals. The five of us are gifted with true vision; the mist, as you call it, does not obscure our vision. We have a fairly large budget, with which to hire normal mortals to do our bidding. As for the purpose of our studies... Charles pauses uncomfortably. We only wish to learn as much as possible about the divine. He may be hiding something.

Zayden: I'm guessing we're not going to be out for a while, right James?

James: I don't know. Demigods or not, I'm fairly certain it's illegal to detain American citizens this way.

Charles: Yes?

James: Sooo, once you do let us go, you're probably going to get in a lot of trouble.

Charles: Yes... once I let you go. I'm aware.

Zayden: face palms as he mutters in Greek Never tell your captor you're going to tell the police once you're out. He'll never let you go.

James: Hey! I've never done this before!

Zayden: breathes in and out to realize his fury XDWell Mister, how about I give you information about myself, as much as you like in exchange for freedom?

Charles: How reasonable. Let's start with your god parent. Who is he or she? He prepares to take notes.

Zayden: shrugs I knew you'd say that. You see that glass of water there? It was for a purpose, ''makes an illusion that's he's water bending and places the water back in the glass once he's done. He drinks and finishes the water'' Son of Poseidon. Not a happy dad you'd pick to mess with his kid.

Charles: He seems unperturbed and notes some things on his clipboard. Fascinating. So then, you posses mainly hydrokinesis, am I correct? Are there any other powers included?

Zayden: Mainly that and minor control over horses. Yea, just horses.

Charles: I see... Notes more down. OK then, this next question may be difficult-- ''He is cut off by a ringing noise. He reaches down and pulls out his radio again. I'm busy right now... well can't it wait?... The radio is mostly too quite to be heard, but one word is clear: "demigods."'' I... see... Of course, right away. He hangs up. I'm sorry, but something has come to my attention. I must go, but I'll be back in a few minutes or so. Goodbye! ''He leaves, looking flustered and somewhat... greedy? all at the same time.''

James: Well, does anyone have any ideas that might get us out of here? I'm not sure he'll let you go when he's done, Zayden. Think about it, it seems like he's done this before, but we've never heard about it from anyone.

Automaton 135: He nods and still talks in his shrill voice Then I must fix my voice microchip because this voice is much too annoying.

James: That sounds like a plan. I we don't know when he'll be back, so you'd better get on that.

James: Haltingly in Greek. I have only been at camp a few months. My Greek is not good. He might speak Greek. (The awkward phrasing is intentional here.)

Charles: He returns, grumbling. We finally get visitors, and our cells are already full; must build more... He notices Zayden is missing and runs to the cell. What in the blazes is happening!? Where is Zayden!?

James: Hmm? Is he gone? Check under his cot; maybe he used that glass you gave him to dig his way to freedom.

Charles: Glares at James. We've talked about your sarcasm, correct? He fumbles with his keys and yanks open the door to Zayden's cell.

 

Automaton: He nods and speaks in his usual voice I agree.

James: Well, there are only two doors in this room. If you would do the honors... He gestures towards the locked door opposite the frozen one.

Escape and Discovery
''The party leaves the room and finds themselves in maze of corridors. After walking a short while they find a strange locked door, different from the others.''

James: This one's different. Maybe it leads to an exit.

James: Righto. James raises his and a chilled breeze begins to slowly swirl around him. Auto, could you please get the door?

Automaton: He nods and punches the door, ready for an attack on the otherside

''The door buckles and falls in. Nothing attacks. A long hallway is ahead. It is dark, dank, and there seem to be jail cells off to the sides. Real ones, with metal bars instead of fancy glass.''

''As Zayden passes one of the cells, a bizarre creature jumps on the bars and snarls at him. Several other creatures in other cells take notice and also jump at the bars. The cells contain about ten draconae and telkhines.''

''Unfortunately, the bars aren't exactly... holding up that well.''

James: What the taco is going on here?

The monsters all groan, screech and hiss a similar message. Demigods! Food! Finally! The monsters are battering the bars, which seem to be giving.

Automaton: Run! runs towards the other side of the room

''He is too late, the first of the cells breaks open and a pair of Draconae block the hero's path. Cells continue to break until the party is surrounded.''

James: Well, this is maybe the worst thing that has ever happened to me. James says, drawing his swords. I guess I haven't lived that long, huh?

The telkhine is knocked backward, but more take its place.

James: He freezes a dracanae, but before he can follow it up he is attacked by a telkhine and force to go on the defensive.

'

''At first it appears to work. The monsters cry out in hunger and run towards where the party entered. However, after only a few seconds the Telkhines' keen noses pick up on the deception.''

A Telkhine: It's a trick! Their sent it over there!

The monsters screech to a halt and run back toward the party.

''The door is locked with a padlock. It seems old though.''

James: Creates a powerful wind to hold the monsters back, but only slows them. What's taking so long with that door? Is it stuck?

The lock breaks and the door swings open.

James: ''The monsters have reached him at this point. He is trying to fend them off with his swords.'' Get through the door!

James: That was close, nice save. James leans on the door. There is no way that lock is going to hold though, especially because you just broke it.

''The party finds themselves in a room with a computer and some filing cabinets. A few files are strewn about, with sketches of monsters clearly visible. There is a door on the far side of the room.''

James: Trying to hold the door closed as the monsters begin to pound on it. I don't suppose anyone brought any water with them?

Automaton: He pulls out camel bladder with 5L of water inside Will this do?

James: Perfect. ''He quickly grabs the camel bladder and pours it on the door, freezing the water as he does so. Before long the door is sealed with ice. He hands the bladder back.'' Problem solved. Thanks, Auto.

Automaton: Your Welcome. He takes the bladder and stuffs it into a hidden box in his wrist

''Zayden uncovers an archive of monster related files. The is information on their capabilities, strategies for capture, and, disturbingly, the amount of human resources that you can expect to lose when capturing them. There is more information, but it requires an administrator password.''

''The roaming locations of various monsters are listed, as are the records of capture. No one ever said the hidden information was interesting. Unfortunately, this computer is an isolated system. The other computers cannot be hacked from here.''

James: looking over Zayden's shoulder. I wonder what all this data is for.

Suddenly, an intercom is heard.

Intercom: Maintain an alert status. There are three intruders within the headquarters.

James: I guess that'd be us then.

Intercom: Keep a look out for three teenagers, one male and two female. They are armed with throwing daggers, and a crossbow and are very dangerous.

James: Or not.

At that point another voice comes on the intercom, Charles.

Intercom (Charles): I would like to report another emergency. Our captives escaped... He proceeds to describe the party.

James: Ah, there we are.

James: How is that perfect?

James: Does camp generally send backup for quests?

The ice on the door begins to crack.

James: We should move on.

Automaton: He nods Shouldn't we still save this data? His pinkie finger turns into a flash drive

James: Well... The ice on the door is almost completely shattered. Do we really have time?

Automaton: He plays a sigh clip and shakes his head No. Where do we go now James?

Down the Hole
''The party heads into the next room and finds themselves in a large, circular room, more than 50 meters across. The floor is wooden, and clearly some kind of scaffold. The ceiling is high above and is composed of a large, sturdy grid (like a portcullis). Through the ceiling, the sky can be seen, but the light keeps shifting as though through water. The walls of the room have many tapestries and decorations, although some are torn and burnt. Greek style swords are mounted on the walls, glistening in the shifting light. The room has several doors. A pair of double doors is positioned at the far end of the room, while six other doors line the edge of the room. Finally, there is an incredibly large, heavily barred door that reaches almost to the ceiling. Monster dust is scattered around the room, and there is a large mound of it in the center. The floor seem damaged, and creaks under the heroes weight.''



''Suddenly there is a loud snapping sound; the floor falls about a foot, then with an even bigger snap, falls again, this time it shatters to planks after striking the remains of the broken central column that was holding the floor up. 30 meters (or about 90 feet) below them there is water, but that is still to far to fall, even into water.''

James: Whoa! ''James manages to create an updraft to keep himself afloat. He swoops to grab Zayden, but their combined weight is too much. They spiral down toward the water, albeit at a safe speed.''



There is nothing close to grab onto, but James has slowed their fall enough for them to land safely in the water.

OOC: I'm assuming that Automaton 135 is fine, because he fell a long distance onto concrete earlier.

James: No idea. He hauls himself on to a piece of the floor that is floating nearby.

''The room is just as large as the one above, and the water is dark and deep. On one end of the room there is a tunnel, but it is half-way under the water.''

James: ironically, Well thanks, Zayden. Gee, it's going to be hard to pick from all one of these side passages.

Without warning, a tentacle erupts from the water and drags James under.

Zayden: What the heck! he pulls James' arm and tries not to let him get, well, swallowed 

James: Manages to draw his sword and slash the tentacle, allowing Zayden to pull him up.



''Deep under the water three eyes gleam. It is hard to see through the dark water, but it is clear the monster is at least there meters wide. A tentacle shoots out of the water towards the heroes, attempting to grab them.''



The monster quickly withdraws its tentacle and rumbles with displeasure.

James: What is that?

Automaton 135: pulls out two swords from his legs and slices at the tentacle I do not know. But it doesn't seem friendly.

James: Rolls eyes. That's good. I was seriously worried that this thing wanted a hug.

The monster dives deeper and disappears.

James: Now, I wonder--

''The monster erupts from the water behind them. It is surprisingly humanoid, with a mane of tentacles and two large webbed claws on the ends of its arms. Only its body above the waist is above water, but it still looms 5 meters tall.''



Automaton: Where do we run?! gets into a defensive stance and readies for the monsters next attack

James: We could try for the tunnel back there, but this guy's blocking our path.

James: Alright, I have an idea. I can fly, so—Whoa!

The beast lunges forward, swinging its arm at the party.

James: Barely dodges.

Automaton: slices at it's tenticles

The beast loses some tentacles and lets out a screech so shrill and grating that it can inflict headaches.

James: Drops his swords and holds his head as he staggers back.

Automaton: his head make some sparks

The beast swipes at James, knocking him into the water, then turns and swipes at Automaton 135.

Automaton: ducks the swipe then gives the beast a round house kick, but while in mid air he says in an Arnold Schwarzenegger voice Hasta Avista Baby! then strikes

''The beast recoils a bit, but recovers quickly enough to snatch Automaton 135 out of the air with one of his clawed hands. He begins to squeeze.''



''It is partially successful. The beast violently hurls Auto across the room.''

''Zayden's mace touches something solid. The glow from the eyes disappears and the beast rumbles. It grabs at Zayden with its tentacles.''



The three orbs of light that are the beast's eyes reappear, then seem to rush towards Zayden, as the beast draws him in to eat him.

 

''The spikes strike the monster's eyes. The beast shrieks and hurls Zayden out of the water violently.''

James: Crawls out of the water. Hey, does this mean we win?

James: Sweet. That went better than I... uh...

A burbling sound comes from the water.

James: On moment. James ices over the water. There we go. Problem solved.

Automaton: Maybe... Where to next?

James: Well, I don't think I can fly you guys out of here, so I guess we'd better see where that tunnel leads. James gestures toward the half-submerged tunnel.



''The party continues over the frozen water and into the tunnel. After a few twists and turns they find themselves once again at the bottom of a cylindrical shaft. Water comes in from pipes on the side and from above in small streams. A series of iron rungs protrudes from the wall, making a ladder. Up above there is a grid.''

James: Hmm, I wonder if we can cut through that grid and get out of here.

James: ''Flies up the grate and slashes at it. His weapon bounces off uselessly. He tries a few more times, then shrugs, and floats down.'' I'm not strong enough to do it.

James: Well, freezing it might make it more brittle if it wasn't already ridged, but it is, so I don't think that will help.

James: Auto might be able to do it, but he'd have to climb the ladder.

Automaton: I am at your command. punches the door multiple times

Auto successfully punches a hole in the grate large enough for a person to fit through.



James: Flies up through the hole.

Automaton: climbs through the hole, making it slightly larger at the same time



The Mad Mythologist
''The heroes find themselves in what appears to be a large janitor's closet. Cleaning supplies hang from the walls and piping runs throughout the room. There is one door and a bare light-bulb shines dimly.''

James: Seriously? Even if this is out-of-the-way, they could at least get a 60-watt bulb.

James: It's complicated, too. We need to find directions to wherever it is the throne is being kept.

Automaton: I agree. lifts his fist Do I punch again?

James: Punch what?

Automaton: The wall?

James: There is a door.

Awkward pause.

James: So, any ideas for how to navigate this place or get a map?

Automaton: No ideas, sorry.

James: Care to elaborate?

James: So, you're saying we should leave a gash in the wall and follow the wall until we either find the throne, or reach the gash again, in which case we start again with a different wall?

James: Well, it's systematic I suppose. The issue is that we could still check every other room in the complex before we got the right one, but I don't have any better ideas. Also, we should make sure not to cut the gash to deep; it could get ugly if we hit a power line.

Automaton: I absorb electric shocks.

James: Well, I guess that settles it. We'll go with Zayden's plan and Auto can slice the wall.

''With the plan in mind, the heroes left the janitorial closet and began following the right wall. After several twists and turns (not to mention setting off a few alarms and dealing with a few guards) the party finds themselves in a laboratory. Complicated apparatuses are spread across the many counter tops, mixes of tubing, Bunsen burners, glass and other instruments. The shelves are lined with containers full of various chemicals, acids on one side of the room, bases on the other. Some of the jars contain a shimmery orange powder, suspiciously similar to monster dust.''

James: Looks like another dead end.

Charles: That's because you're not.

James: Whirls around to see Charles standing in the doorway.

Charles: Charles' previously cheery demeanor is gone. I'm not exactly happy to see you still breathing either.

James: Hold on, Zayden. James builds up a wind and uses it to launch himself over and behind Charles. This guy knows where the throne is.

James: Makes a face. You're not serious.

Automaton: How about good cop, bad cop and the robot?

James: Better idea: this is Charles lab, right? Some of those cabinets are locked. They must be important; check what's in them. I'll block Charles' retreat.

Charles: Now, hold on...

''One of the cabinets contains a rack full of 30 or more test tubes, all containing a suspiciously read looking substance. ''

Charles: Shifts uneasily. Careful...

Charles: Listen, put that back! Carefully! It his highly volatile! ''He lies. Sweat drips down his neck.''

Charles: I-I'm serious! One wrong move and we're all dead! It's the truth! It's not.

James: I'm rather dubious.

Automaton: guards Charles and reads his heart rate which also tell him that he is lying

James: Yeah, I don't think anyone's buying that. How about you tell us the real story, and we refrain from pouring all those down the drain.

Charles: Glances around, then gives up. They're... they're just blood samples... from, uh... demigods. He says sheepishly.

Charles: I... drat. Very well. The throne is in the meeting room. You can find it by...he gives them directions, not lying. Now please, the tray.

James: Now hold on, I think some questions are in order. For instance, why exactly do you have a cabinet full of demigod blood?

Charles: It's... It's for my experiments. You see, I'm one of the few people on Earth gifted with The Sight. I can see through the mist, even better than you can. I spent years searching for other people who could see the things I see, and I found only 4 others. Together, we formed a group with a simple purpose: to discover the true nature of what these things are. It wasn't long before we realized the truth about the Greek gods, about mythology, and now we have a new purpose. ''He pushes past Zayden and grasps the tray of test tubes, admiring it. Never taking his eyes off the tubes, he continues to speak.'' We are going to obtain the power of the gods! There is only one way to do that, and that is to find out what it is about this demigod blood that makes it special! If we can figure it out, we can replicate it, and the power of the gods will be at our fingertips! He has a gleam in his eye that indicates he probably shouldn't be trusted with such power, but he tells the truth.

Charles: Heh... heh... no, no, and that is why I will succeed! In all my years of research I have never seen a god. They will not interfere directly. The worst they will do is send people like you to us, unwittingly fueling my experiments! You want to think it's impossible? Fine. Let's see how far that gets you when our plan is complete! Hahaha!

James: Um, did you just go mad scientist on a room of people who could beat 5 of you in a fight without a problem? It doesn't sound smart...

Charles: If they were going to, they would have long ago. As for you... He grabs the tray and quickly retreats to the far end of the room. I can't have you running back and telling your demigod friends all this, can I? No, I've given you the location of the throne, but I never said you'd live to take it. He draws a small vial from his pocket. Do you know what this is? It is another kind of blood, gorgon blood, and believe me, much human blood was shed to get a hold of it. Do you know what it does?

Automaton: It is a poison.

Charles: A smile spreads across his face. Both right and both sadly missing the point. That is but one of its uses. It has strange effects on many things. For instance, I believe you met a strange beast in our sewage system...

James: That was a sewage system? It didn't smell like it.

Charles: Yes, well, our underlings sometimes forget to turn the tap off when they wash their hands, as a result the sewage is very diluted. Anyway, that monster was the result of an experiment involving gorgon blood and monster dust, but I don't need monster dust to make a frightening beast. Charles takes a another vial out of his jacket and smashes on the ground; sand spills out. Behold its effect on mere sand! With that, Charles pours the blood on the sand.

''The upon mixing, the substances begin to hiss and smoke. Soon the cloud is too dense to see through.''

Charles: Beware the twice venomous Amphisbaena!

''A hiss emanates from within the cloud, this one different from before. A huge serpent's head emerges from the cloud and glowers at the heroes, flicking its tongue''

Automaton: Pulls out a celestial bronze sword from his back and throws it at the monster

The spikes and sword embed themselves in the Amphisbaena and its head falls to the ground.

James: Well, that was anticlimactic.

Suddenly, a second head, attached to the other end of the body, whips out of cloud and lashes out to bite Zayden.

After missing Zayden, the Amphisbaena strikes at James.

James: Ducks to the side and slashes its second and last head off; the Amphisbaena disintegrates. Hmm, over all I'd give that monster a 4/10. It makes a good entrance, but ultimately fails to live up to the hype.

3 more Amphisbaena slither out of the cloud.

James: Blast.

Automaton: punches the monster and releases a powerful electrical pulse into it

The head of the monster Automaton punched goes limp, but its other head whips around and bites Automaton's shoulder, breaking its fangs.

The second Amphisbaena lunges at Zayden.

''The Amphisbaena lets out a moaning hiss and dissolves. The last one lashes out, quickly wrapping around James.''

James: Freezes the snake with an arctic wind and rams into the wall, shattering it. Even in a team, these aren't very threatening. Now let's see... Notices that while they were fighting, Charles sneaked away.

James: Well, we got what we needed anyway. We know where the throne is. Let's go

Tin Soldiers
''It is a massive room with a carved oak table running down the center and a high ceiling. The walls are wood paneled and covered with more carvings of gods and monsters. There is no obvious other entrance. At one end of the room there is a massive horse automaton, somewhat destroyed. Its head has broken part of the wall, as if it crashed into it. The room is filled with battle damage.''

James: Wow, something went down in here. Where's the throne?

An ominous banging sound comes from the horse...

''Suddenly a hatch on the side of the horse bursts open. Half a dozen automaton soldiers crawl out.''

James: Wow, soldiers out of a horse? Has there really been that little innovation after all these years?

The first of the automatons steps forward and draws its sword.