Herkules takes a big gulp of Wine from his own jug. "Of course I remember that day! Cerberus was a mighty foe but meeting a Son of Hades is no common thing cousin!" He grabs a full chicken, which looks comical in his large hand and takes a huge bite out of it, you can hear the crunch of bone as Herkules eats EVERYTHING. "Poseidon and Zeus have many children, some gods in their own right while others are common folk, Their infidelities are known far and wide. Hades is a different sort, Most thought he only ever had eyes for his wife yet when I met you, I knew different." He Smiles threw the meat of the chicken and the bits of wine clinging to his beard. 

"You are more rare then an albino hydra Cousin, That is something to be proud of. That you have taken the road higher then your fathers is pleasing to the ears, Perhaps one day we will stand side by side against a mighty foe! A son of Zeus and a son of Hades battling alongside each other, A marvelous idea!" 

"Now onto other matters, What of Theseus and the Minotaur's attack on Athens? How is it you come to return to Olympia so soon after leaving?" 

"The siege is lifted Herkules." Anax says between bites. "It was a challenging battle my king. It took us, what?" He looks to his companions sat around the table in a mock questioning manner. "At least 3, perhaps even 4 hours to take the minotaur king's head and rout his horde. If not for the walking, we could probably have made it back for supper." He reclines back with a chunk of cheese and looks pleased with his dry wit, although he keeps one eye on Herkules to gauge his reaction, subtly eager to impress.

Carrus relaxes and takes a long drink of wine as Anax jokes of their defeat of Drogon. He looks around the Den and smiles at the humble, simple furnishings, some similar to those of his own family homestead except in size of course. He wonders if everything in that room was carefully chosen to make a stuffy senator uncomfortable, and at the same time put a man like Carrus at ease.

It is a fine tale. But we have darker news. The minotaurs allied with drow. And with Rome. Their queen seeks the Fleece. And the Fist of the Gods.  Carrus's manner changes, and he puts down his flagon of wine. He is no longer a man relaxing in good company, he is a soldier giving a report to his commander. Over the next few minutes, he tells the High King everything they learned from the drow spirit they questioned, about the Fleece, the Gorgons, the drow and their queen, and their plan to head next to Sparta. When he is done, he refills his flagon and waits to hear Herkules's verdict.

Herkules laughs, Bits of wine and chicken mixed with saliva flying all over the table. "HA Drogon's fabled strength was just that it seems, A mere fable with no back to support itself." 

Herkules looks over his shoulder to the massive Maul leaning against his wooden throne. The Maul is almost 15 feet long in total, with the Head being 4 feet wide and the handle 11 feet long. This thing is massive and looks Un-wieldable. A leather strapped Sequoia wood handle leads to a mass of Black iron and gold hammer head at the top of the maul, a Jut of gold comes from the back of it resembling a lightning bolt. 

He grins and places the jug of wine and remnants of the chicken back onto the table. "Well they aint never gettin my Hammer You can be sure of that." He looks at Anax. "You look like a strong fellow, try liftin the hammer. Show me the fabled strength of Sparta." 

"With respect Herkules, I would rather prove my strength of character through ability in battle. I've slaughtered creatures who could swing trees with ease in my past. Strength of arm can only get one so far." Anax keeps a stoic expression throughout his speech before meeting the king's glare.

The goliath suddenly bursts out laughing, "Ha! You should've seen your face! Give me a go with that titan of a maul!"

He steps up to the Fist of the Gods, rubs his hands together and blows on them before giving a massive heave and failing miserably. 

"A fine trick high-king, but I know that only you can lift the damn hammer. When I find myself a weapon of might such as this I'll return and go a few rounds with you, eh?" The Spartan sits down laughing, pretending to have trouble lifting a pitcher of wine to his lips before gulping it down. 

It appears that he has gotten himself slightly tipsy after his excitement at meeting Herkules.

Athletics: 24

"Now that sounds like a splendid idea Spartan! I welcome the challenge!." Herkules laughs as he grabs the Maul with his left hand and holds it high in the air like its as light as a feather. "You are right however Anaxandros, Only I can wield this weapon. Hephaestus created this weapon for me and me alone, Not even Zeus can lift this Hammer." He places it back down on the side of his Throne.

"Heh, Antony seeks aid from the likes of the Drow and Minotaur. How like a Roman. It's no surprise to my ears to hear of this, The Drow are tricksters by nature and will betray the Romans and the Minotaur are nothing more then savage beasts without their leader. That you bring up the Fleece is somewhat concerning....Especially since the Gorgons have resurfaced near the Border of Sparta."

The High-king takes his jug back in hand and has another gulp before smashing the now empty jug onto the floor and grabbing another. "Euryale and Sthenno have eluded us since Perseus cut the head from Medusa. They fled back to their holes and have remained out of sight since then. That the Drow search for the fleece and the re-emergence of the Gorgons I believe this is no coincidence."

Carrus thinks back to the stories of the Gorgons he has heard, and tries to remember what he can:  History: 4  

He looks at Herkules.  My king, what do the Gorgons want?  Revenge on Perseus?  Power for themselves?  What did they want before?

Carrus

 Herkules sits back in his chair and scratches his left armpit. "Poseidon asked Perseus to cleave the head from Medusa during his Trials, Never given a reason why He followed his fathers orders and slew the Gorgon. Euryale and Sthenno fled after their sister was killed and have remained in hiding until now." He looks over to an open window, staring out at the blue sky. "Perhaps revenge is what drives them now, Maybe they finally figured out how to use the Fleece...It does exist my friends. Crafted to heal any wound and protect its wearer from danger. Such a power is reserved for the gods themselves." 

Cybele will take a swig of wine and look thoughtfully down into the cup, "It doesn't sound like they have caused any harm yet. Perhaps they seek alliance against the Drow and Romans who plan to steal from them... though I would be hesitant to trust such creatures."

Dicaeus frowns at the mention of the Fleece. ”One thing that has been bothering me. What do you know of the Fleece? Does it have the power to bring back the dead? Could the Gorgons be attempting to bring back their sister?”

Herkules rubs the chiseled chin hidden beneath his beard. "I know it exists, the extent of its power is a mystery even to me. There are tales of weapons and items all threwout the land, Some like the Fleece and the Harpe have merit to them; They do exist in one way yet their legends have grown to bare only a fraction of truth. Others like the Omphalous stone or the Chariot of Zeus are nothing more then myth. By Zeus, I own a few of those Legendary objects myself." 

Herkules stands from the table and walks to a weapon rack on the left side of the chamber, Pulling a sheet that was covering it to the ground. You can see dozens of weapons ranging from Bows,swords,maces,Staves,Spears there is even a Scythe.

"A Collection of items too powerful for regular mortals to wield." He looks back at the four of you, still sat at the table. "You four are not Regular Mortals, For what I must ask of you; I shall bestow upon you an item of my choosing to see you survive the battle ahead." He gestures for the four of you to stand before him.

Anax stands and walks over, grinning like a madman at the array of powerful weapons before him. He's almost shaking in anticipation, having always wanted a mighty weapon to call his own.

"I know your Kind Spartan, A Warrior first and a being second; you live for battle as the battlefield is where you feel most a home. You are a Paragon of Valor and Ferocity, I think this sword will serve you well." He pulls from the Rack, A Beautifully crafted dual edged longsword. Its blade is made of a dark Iron that appears to be almost black while the hilt and pommel are a shining silver. Along the back of the blade are Intricately carved runes that seem to pulse a soft red. Straps of red leather hang from the end of the hilt. 

"Damocles forged this blade for his son, Icarus; To use when he reached the sky, It can burn with the heat of the sun when given command. May it turn your enemies to Ashes Spartan."

Anaxandros you now have "Ashen" (Custom named flame tongue long sword.) (Default Word to Ignite it is its name, you can choose to make it whatever you want.)

Cybele would stand and come forward, looking at the arrayed items with curiosity. She was interested to see what the High King would choose for one such as herself.

"Another Spartan yet your lineage holds little sway in your heart. You feel at home with nature, With the Wild." Herkules' eyes squint slightly before relaxing again. "I can see Artemis has given you a taste of her power, Suitable. My half-sister loves nature, The fresh air and the thrill of the hunt." He pulls a Stave from the wall. It looks made of hardened oak with beatiful golden inlays twisting up the staff until it reaches the very top. Where a amber is held by series of twisted and gnarled root-like limbs.

"The WildHeart was once wielded by the Goddess Circe, A powerful stave to fend off those who would harass and harm the natural beauty of the world." He hands the Staff to you Cybele.

"WildHeart" Is a custom named Staff of the Woodlands.

Anax accepts Ashen, bowing his head to Herkules. He speaks the word "Ashen!" and watches as the sword bursts into unnatural bright red flame. "Thank you high-king, I'll make sure it is instrumental in the defeat of all enemies of Greece." He steps back, dismissing the flames and watches Cybele and the others receive their gifts.

[OoC]: Definitely time to find somewhere to buy/sell magic gear now, I have a spear to sell!

This all happens in Anax's mind. The rest of you just see a really cool looking sword. (Not attuned Mojake xD)

Cybele will take the staff and smile as she feels the balance of the weapon. This was no fragile stick, but a strong weapon capable of dealing a mighty blow. It radiated magic- she would have to meditate with it to learn all that it was capable of.

"I will safeguard this staff and use it well."

Dicaeus steps forwards, eyeing the weapons. Not quite in his element, yet still in awe of the powerful enchantments laid before him, the sorcerer isn’t quite sure what to say or do.