Arkius

> "I wasn’t always a manticore living in the woods, if you were wondering. There’s a reason I know a thing or two about what people do. There. Let's start with that. My name was Arkius, and I was a human once"
>
> Arkius, session 10

## Arkius Tresendar

* Portrait
* Sprite

## Appearances

### Appears in

The Scaled Bastards, The Lost Lord of Phandelver Arc

## Description

A reclusive manticore who used to be Lord Arkius Tresendar of Phandalin, but was cursed by Vicaver Sylvectus for coming after the wizard for not being able to find a way to change their firstborn from a tiefling to a human.  Hesitant to speak and is paranoid that Vicaver will send people to finally end him.

## Biography

Arkius dealt with a Cambion to cure himself of a serious illness, but as part of the deal, had to give his firstborn.  When he had his first child, she came into the world as a tiefling (at the time, the town was super racist and would probably kill on sight).  Learning his lesson, he decided to turn to legitimate practices, and hired Vicaver to find a way to turn his child back into a human.

Arkius ventured into Vicaver's tower to check on his progress in finding a way to make his daughter human instead of a tiefling. Vicaver, not expecting this visit, was caught in the act of contacting his patron, an Aboleth.

Arkius saw Vicaver scraping pieces of gore into a personal well. The scene was littered with glowing runes. Arkius didn't make a comment about the scene, but fearing that Arkius would start rumors, Vicaver turned him into a manticore. This happened about 200 years ago.

## The Scaled Bastards Storyline

### Epilogue

Attempting to restore his old manor with help from the townsfolk.  Mostly accepted back in Phandalin as a manticore. Duskset remained with him.

### Session 13

After exploring Vicaver's Tower, you return to Arkius and tell him that his daughter was alright, and likely lived out her life naturally, freed from the Cambion's curse.

### Session 12

Upon arrival in Phandalin, he hid in the nearby forest as the party interrogated Vicaver publicly. Once Vicaver was led away for further questioning by Sildar "Barry Bluejeans" Hallwinter, he came out and delivered a speech to the townsfolk about wanting to live with people again. You help him move back into the abandoned Tresendar Manor.

### Session 11

Strum performed for the manticore, who revealed that he used to be a bard, and was currently deprived of all music. After that, he suggests that the party stay permanently and live in his lair with him, as he was lonely and hasn't had company for over two centuries. Eventually you compromise and bring him back to Phandalin.

### Session 10

Interrogated the party, convinced that they had been sent to hunt him down. Before he could get too far, they were interrupted by a Barlgura sent by Vicaver to expedite the process. The demon was eventually defeated, and Arkius, not wanting to be interrupted again, led the party back to his lair for further questioning.

### Session 7

The party was sent by Vicaver to collect 30 manticore spines and a peryton egg for the high price of 500 gp. Vicaver had intentionally paid more than needed, and led them in the direction of Arkius in hopes that they would kill him.

## Relationships

### The Scaled Bastards

Initially, Arkius was distrustful of them, convinced that they were more adventurers that Vicaver had sent to slay him. However, they seemed genuinely curious about his past, and he has since opened up to them. Currently, Arkius feels extremely grateful for their actions and aid in helping him return to his home in Phandalin. He hopes that they can one day help turn him back into a human.

### Sadrina Tresendar

Arkius cares deeply for his daughter, and shows visible relief when told that she was discharged from Vicaver's "care" and allowed to live out her life naturally as a human.

### Vicaver

Previously paid Vicaver to research ways to turn his daughter back into a human, but now fears him.

## Quotes

> "You have some nerve painting yourself as the hero of Phandalin."
>
> Arkius to Vicaver, Session 12

> "As stated earlier. I am the lost lord of Phandalin, Arkius Tresendar. It has been 200 years since I have set foot in this town, but my family used to live in the presumably abandoned manor. Also as stated, I wish no harm or hindrance, and would like to simply live among people once more. It has been many, many years since I have seen a face that wasn't hired to slay me. I ask that I am allowed to live somewhere within this establishment and be a part of it once more, as I have been 200 years ago. I have seen many things over my extended lifespan, and I may be able to fill holes in your history if you are willing to look past the monstrous face."
>
> Arkius to the crowd of townsfolk after confronting Vicaver, Session 12

> "Finally home."
>
> Arkius at the abandoned Tresendar Manor, Session 12

> "Oh absolutely. I'm going to find someone who can cast something to fix me, and then I'll do whatever it takes to get fixed. Maybe start a new family, or help an existing one....I might ask for help sparingly. Better to stay out of their hair for now though"
>
> Arkius Tresendar about returning to Phandalin, Session 12

## Trivia

* Aging has been slowed as a manticore due to a hiccup in the curse that Vicaver cast on him.

* Arkius was a talented musician and could commonly be found playing the violin.

## Gallery

Arkius' entry to Phandalinthe painting in the Tresendar ManorArkius as a humanArkius as a manticoreArkius playing the violinby FinalShockDown