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Solidarity - PF2E Strength of Thousands AP Old-Mage Jatembe was the most powerful man in the world. Wherever he went, he spread hope and light to the people around him. All of the good things in the world were awed by Jatembe and came to give him secrets. All of the foul creatures declared war on him, but Jatembe stole their magic and banished them. In this way, Jatembe turned a world of ash into the beautiful land we have today, filled with fish and animals, grains and palm trees, sweet yams and red soil. The foul beasts wailed at their realms of ash and terror being transformed into rich and wonderful lands, but they all feared Jatembe. One day, a creeping bad-luck spirit inched forth from the grass. It was too young and foolish to know its limits and thought, "I will take vengeance on Jatembe and laugh at his misery." The spirit crawled into the nearby village and asked where Jatembe was, but no one could answer. It asked then where the riches of Jatembe were, but people said they knew of none. It asked where the spouses of Jatembe were, but the people could not name anyone he had married. It asked where the weapons of Jatembe were, but the old mage's greatest weapon had always been the knowledge he kept in his head. Frustrated, the little spirit demanded, "What manner of great man can this Jatembe be, if he has no riches, no wives, no husbands, no weapons, nor any children?" Yet Jatembe had many children, the people answered, as they showed the little spirit the great city of Nantambu where thousands and thousands of students learned, worked, and helped each other by Jatembe's words. The little spirit decided that if it couldn't have vengeance on Jatembe, it would do so upon his children. The spirit listened until it found a voice that told it how to get inside. Following the voice, it crept into the city through the tiny cracks in the buildings' walls, so small that even an ant would have to squeeze, but Jatembe's students caught the spirit and tossed it out like a harmless grass snake. The spirit became terribly angry at its treatment but could do nothing on its own, and so it sought out others like itself to creep back inside and strike using the distraction of a celebration...  Arodus 5, 4721, Late Morning It would perhaps be more auspicious if this day, near the end of summer, was warm and idyllic, clear blue with shining clouds, if the faint murmuring of markets and calls of birds and the rustling of the trees in a gentle wind were the backdrop of this momentous day. This day of oaths, day of a new moon, of new beginnings and new promises. Instead, on this day in Nantambu it is storming. Awnings are set out, the canals are swollen, and the ways to the island the Magaambya is on have left your boots irritatingly muddy. Still, you were told extensively and absolutely that this was the day to attend, and you have all dutifully brought yourself to the Magaambya. As you're directed to and gather at the central round in the middle of the island, you see that someone has set up massive, floating, semi-transparent and colorful sorcerous umbrellas, floating by themselves all over the plaza. It's not as though the entire space is covered, there are still gaps, and the water still flows down the rim of the umbrellas to gather in sheets, but it means you can still position yourselves to stay... mostly dry. Or at least not get any more wet. There's a crowd, of new students and old students and teachers and staff, many more than you expected. You knew the Magaambya was large, greater than just a few mages and their apprentices, and perhaps had even been in or around it enough to notice a fair number of people traveling to and fro, holding class or demonstrations out on the ground, but this crowd is still unusually large--it would be the entire school in many other 'magical academies' across the world.  Janatimo An elf draws your attention. He doesn't stand up on a stage, nor does he shout, but as he speaks you can hear him, as if he was speaking directly to you, in front of you, despite any distance, and regardless of the pattering of rain or the thunder in the distance. Within the first few moments, the murmuring chatter of the crowd falls away. "Greetings, well met on this wonderful day. I am Janatimo, head of the Uzunjati of our Magaambya, and Speaker of All the World's Tales. I welcome you here, and thank you for your kindness in attending on time." He smiles, with a hint of wry humor, but for the most part he is genuinely happy to see you all. Well, there is a small argument, someone who perhaps was not meant to come, a heated discussion in low tones, with the young man being gently taken away. Speaker Janatimo pays it no mind, and neither do you. "Most of you know the story of the founding of our Magaambya, of the stories of the achievements and convictions of Old-Mage Jatembe. For once, I will not tell any of his stories again. I am sure you have heard at least a few of them before, and I know you will hear many of them again. I know you understand that our Magaambya is a community, that it is nothing but the people who live here, who join together, for each other. In the days and weeks to follow, I hope and expect for you all to learn what it truly means to dedicate yourself to service, and to our ideals. But, today is not the day for a story about Old-Mage Jatembe, who has had so many stories indeed." "Instead, I will tell you this one: "When the world was still young and there were few tales to spin by the firelight, there was a young woman who lived near the base of a mountain. Some say it was the tallest mountain to have ever existed, but who can say for sure now? "What matters is that one day, she heard the whispers of the rains and the caress of the winds and followed them up the mountain. She stayed there for a day and a night and returned as the next dawn broke. 'Where did you go?' her family asked her. She replied, 'I walked up the mountain and the rains told me secrets of how to move them.' "And though no one understood, village life moved on. "As the weather turned crisp, a stray spark landed on the drying grasses and the fire that followed would have immolated the village. While the people scrambled to get their buckets and bowls and blankets to quench the blaze, the woman who had walked up the mountain stepped forth. Her words and hands swept the river over the fire and put it out in an instant. The people stared, unable to understand what they had seen, before all crying out at once. "'You can command the river!' someone exclaimed. 'You must be a god!' "'No,' she insisted softly as she backed away. 'I simply listened to the winds and rains, and they showed me ways I can help.' "'The rains, of course!' cried a farmer. 'Then you will bless us with healthy crops!' "'And you can bring us river fish,' cried a fisherman, 'and ease our weary backs!' "More demands rang out from the people: heal the sick, raise a house, bless a child, find a truth, grace a marriage, bring justice, bring peace, give love, give joy, give and give and give. The woman backed further and further from the demands until she felt the cool stone of the mountain behind her. The mountain had never asked her for anything despite all that it had given. She retreated further still and became one with the mountain, escaping the incessant demands of her village forever." He stops, letting the story linger and digest, before continuing. "When I was young, and heard this story, my grandmother would say that the lesson was this: 'Magic can do much, but those who wield it deserve respect and peace, lest they vanish like the woman into the mountain.' This is true. Many times, you will hear that it is your responsibility to help others, that this is the core virtue of our Magaambya. This is also true." He smiles, mysteriously, then gestures, pointing out a few pairs of people, apart from the crowd, many of whom have struck you as teachers, or perhaps seniors. "We have consulted with each other, and chosen to gather you into small groups, to be introduced to our Magaambya by a number of our teachers. We can thank honored Teacher Ot for his insight. I invite any to come to me with questions, with worries, with doubts, if they find trouble in the behavior of our teachers, or in the practices of our Magaambya. Now, please trust in and follow your intuition to your groups." As you disperse, to settle in with your groups, a few other... 'eye-catching' new students draw the attention of some of you, but they have their own teachers to direct their orientation, their own groups to form. Perhaps in time? OOC: Normally when dealing with groups I will try to make sure that everything you need to follow along is relayed as part of your section, so you don't need to keep track of the other group's posts. However, with these introductions, where each teacher is giving their little speech and introducing the academy to the students, there would be a lot of repetition if I did that. So, for this opening post, please read the whole thing. GROUP A: Scarlet, Beck, Me'abi, Valfane  Takulu Ot  Esi Djana A few of you are drawn to a cheerful pair, a man and a woman, the man with a scroll open, marking down some last-minute notes, and the woman in a relaxed and confident pose. The man is wearing blue-green and gold robes, typical of many wizards of the Magaambya, and you notice a necklace with many beads, something about it prominent. The woman's clothing is a bit simpler, silver jewelry and a small string of beads attached to her sash. The man finally glances up, smiling, tucking the pen away and rolling up his scroll quickly. He hands it off to the woman and steps forward, addressing you. "Welcome, and a kind hello, new students. It is my pleasure to introduce you to the school, and to each other. Some of you know me already, but for all of you, you may call me Teacher Ot." He pauses, and looks to the woman, who smiles and nods back, then addresses you. "And one of you knows me. Hello, Scarlet Hood. For the rest of you, I am Esi Djana, but please just call me Esi, as I am still a novice just like any of you." The man, Teacher Ot, nods and addresses you forward. It has the air of a prepared speech, but he speaks confidently and fluidly. "You are embarking now on a life of study and service. We see within you intellect, passion, and judgement--in short, the virtues to build upon the strengths of the thousands who have come before you. We follow the footsteps of Old-Mage Jatembe, who showed us that the price of magic is the responsibility to better the world." "The Magaambya is made up of five branches: the Cascade Bearers, Emerald Boughs, Rain-Scribes, Tempest-Sun Mages, and Uzunjati. Each has their own strengths, each make their own contributions to the whole. I am careful not to say that the Magaambya is divided into the five branches. Each branch is a different perspective on the fundamental teachings of unity, of solidarity, that bring us all together as one. However, the branches still each have their own unique strengths, their own favored subjects, and their own responsibilities to the Magaambya. I myself am a member of the Cascade Bearers, who are said to value imagination and innovation, yet I would never say that others here are unimaginative or uncreative." Esi nods, picking up the thread. "And I am part of the Tempest-Sun Mages, who--" Suddenly, there's a massive, deafening lightning strike in another group. Teacher Ot looks worried for a moment, then squints and huffs a short laugh, and makes a few gestures, shifting the spell-umbrellas around. Esi grins, nodding to the group where the lightning struck. "And that is Teacher Ayuwari. He is also part of the Tempest-Sun Mages. We recently had a fine showing at the Ruby Phoenix Tournament, and he is still basking in the acclaim. Tempest-Sun Mages prize courage among all else: courage to support each other, to defend the school, but also courage to question ourselves. Of course, that does not mean endless self-doubt. As Teacher Ayuwari would say, 'I have questioned myself, and realized that I am correct.' It is important to constantly practice virtue, so that you can truly tell the difference between what is right, what has been found to be right and established as just tradition, and what has been merely a thoughtless habit, one without any use." Teacher Ot nods, picking up the thread. "The Tempest-Sun Mages value the courage of questioning their convictions, which may have been accepted blindly, yet the Cascade Bearers must have that same courage to question and consider the new. In truth, each branch expresses virtues common to all the Magaambya, and in many ways will repeat the central tenet: the strength and dedication to help each other. This is why you are here, to gain the knowledge and experience needed to fulfill those responsibilities." "As new students, you are each an initiate. Over the course of the next year, during your perquisite, you will learn from and contribute to the school and the wider community of Nantambu. Once you have completed your service, you will fully admitted as an attendant, such as Esi here." Esi smiles, raising a hand to summon up a colorful mask, decorated with beads and flower patterns, before dismissing it. "Once you have proven your skill and judgment, you will become a conversant. Most students advance to become conversant, and many then find themselves drawing away from the school over time, though of course they will always have a place here, always maintain their connection. If you remain dedicated to the Magaambya, and gain the full mastery needed to guide others in your path, you may become a lore-speaker. Not all lore-speakers are teachers, but all could at least serve as one." "But first, before all of that, I have a few questions for you all, and then a few problems, riddles almost, that I would like you to think about. Don't worry, there is no 'failure' here, and if you feel most comfortable remaining silent that is fine as well, but I would ask no matter what that you listen, and think, and answer, at least to yourselves." He shares a glance with Esi, then nods. "My first question is simple. Who are you?" He smiles, a little mysteriously. "A simple question, but an important one. You might not know for sure. I know that there were many times in my life I could not have given an answer to such a question, and it's more important to ask the question than to give an answer itself." Esi steps forward. "While you think about something as deep as 'who are you,' why not answer a couple easier ones, just to introduce yourselves. Your name, and what you can do, and something interesting about you. For example, I'm working on harmonic momentum, and something interesting... um..." She frowns, blinking. "Huh, I guess it's not that much easier. Well, I'm currently working on a permanent enchantment set to perform music as music, instead of the normal direct recordings based on ghost sound. I'm working on it with Anchor Root, who I'm sure you'll meet soon." GROUP B: Draahzin, Orvald, Kakka, Lamor  Mafika Ayuwari  Haibram Thodja Four of you are drawn over to a stage near the center of the plaza, where a human and dwarf are standing, each bearing a wide grin and crossed arms, identical stances, the dwarf somewhat comically standing just before the human. The human wears a heavy and rugged blue jacket and trousers, the uniform for martial arts sometimes called a 'gi,' beads woven into the belt, while the dwarf wears more traditional wizardly robes of deep purple. They split off, the dwarf jumping off the stage with a brief 'hup' and landing on a stump, a log set on end, which tilts and spins until the dwarf is left balancing on it, two opposite corners the only support he has as he stands on one leg. The human steps forward to the edge of the stage, grandly spreading his arms, grinning all the while. "Greetings! Ah, it is a shame we cannot be gathered in the rays of the most glorious and praiseworthy sun, but the tempest has its own majesty all the same. Thanks to Teacher Ot for preparing a canopy for us regardless. He insisted that a formal 'orientation' would be smoother than the usual ramshackle admittance. In years past each of you would have been all jumbled up, trickling in along the week, and each teacher would hem and haw over who to sponsor. He put his foot down, demanded we actually plan it out, fulfill our responsibility as givers of knowledge instead of cultivators of potential, at least at the start." "But first, I must introduce myself. If you wish, you all may choose to address me as the amazing, the astounding, the awe-inspiring-- MA-FI-KA!!" The sky is split by a bolt of lighting, tearing through the tree boughs and spell-umbrellas, striking Mafika Ayuwari directly with a deafening roar. As your vision clears, you can see and hear crackling electricity still coursing over his figure. It slowly dissipates, though sparks still occasionally flicker over him--between his fingers, in his hair, and in the depths of his eyes. He folds his hands, smiling. "Or, you can refer to me respectfully as Teacher Ayuwari." The dwarf snorts and grins, blinking a little more than usual but waving it off, as the log slowly rotates in place. "Yeh. And I'm Haibram Thodja. Just call me Haibram, I barely know more than any of ya. Actually I bet most of ya know more than me already. Some of the more experienced guys'll ask you to call them Senior So-and-So or Conversant Such-and-Such, in which case... well, do you what ya want." Teacher Ayuwari leaps off the stage, landing next to Haibram. You feel an instinctive pressure to back away slightly, to give him space and form into a semi-circle. "Respect and pride are difficult subjects to negotiate, at times. Not showing proper respect to those who have proved themselves worthy, and assuming and demanding fawning approbation that is undeserved... these are both failings. In the past, I dismissed the awkward dance of manners as mere trifles. As I've matured, though, I have come to understand that violence takes many forms, and to dismiss those 'trifles' while still also pressing matters of insult and honor is the worst sort of hypocrisy. As Haibram says, 'do what ya want,' but know too what effects your choices have, how they will be interpreted." "More than just your choices to show respect, or not, always remember how your choices reflect on the school, and on each other. You have a responsibility to serve others, sometimes to give them what they say they want, but also sometimes to tell them when they have strayed." He holds up a glass bead, a deep blue. "Today, as entrants to the school, you will be given one of these beads, representing that I as a teacher have brought you into our fold. Over time, as you progress in lessons, as you perform great deeds and acts of service, you will gain more beads in turn. You will be expected to have these beads displayed prominently, usually on a string, to mark you as a member of the Magaambya. Certainly, many people, both here in Nantambu, and across the Expanse, will grant you favor for this. "However, these beads are also meant to mark you as a student for when you fall short. Tricks, pranks, all sorts of 'hijinks,' I expect many of you will engage in these and more. I did, and I know Haibram has as well. It is important to recognize when you have fallen short, how to move past these failings, and to learn from them, as you learn from all sorts of experiences. However, it is also important that there are sometimes consequences." He grins, suddenly very sharply, lightning dancing again across his eyes and hair. "There are consequences for poor deeds, bad actions. However, know very well that there are many more consequences if you happen to 'forget' or 'lose' or even simply hide your beads. You may test me in many ways. Sometimes, the consequences will be enjoyable in their own way, the archetypal 'punishment' that is training in disguise. However, on this point, know that they will not be any fun at all." He lets the moment linger before continuing, much more cheerful again. "On to lighter matters. Teacher Ot suggested that we ask you to introduce yourselves, where you excel, and what is most 'interesting' about you. However, I remember enough of my studies to know how hollow a word 'interesting' is, how trite and simple it can be. Instead, REGALE ME WITH YOUR CROWNING GLORIES!" There's a pause. "Oh, and do still tell us your name and your main interest, your primary skill or field of study. For example, Haibram here excels at magically augmented free-running, as well as direct physical combat and spellstrikes." Haibram doesn't blush, limiting himself to just grumbling and looking away. GROUP C: Visshenia, Ramiel, Melidiere  Koride Ulawa  Mariama Keitana You are drawn to a pair of women, one of them occupied with a glass sphere, muttering to herself, while the other has a vaguely impatient expression, watching your group come together. Both are dressed... eclectically, or just messily, with robes of many different fabrics and colors slapped together. You can guess that the one wearing more green is the junior, perversely because she seems more attentive and 'present,' yet also clearly waiting on the shorter woman. Also, the first woman has a very impressive beaded necklace, with many strands, while the woman in green has a single one trailing down her headscarf. The shorter one finally notices you, snapping a finger and letting the glass sphere explode into hundreds of tiny shards that burn up like melting wax. "Ah... greetings and salutations. My name is Koride Ulawa, please call me Ms. Ulawa or Teacher Ulawa. Thanks to Ms. Keitana, she is assisting me today. Mmm, where was it..." She pats herself down, shuffling around to look in her pockets, before the assistant Ms. Keitana clears her throat and offers a rolled up parchment scroll. "Ah! Thank you. Mmhm. Takulu wrote this up for me, he works on the 'practice of learning,' of exploring differing learning styles, with the intention of broadening the Magaambya beyond the traditional self-directed studies we've historically relied on. These formally organized 'group activities' are part of the theories he's developed." She lowers the parchment briefly as she tears open the seal and begins to unroll it, and gives the group a wry smile. "Of course, we have always had 'group activities,' but nobody bothered thinking of them that way. Hopefully he lightens up on all this sooner rather than later. Well, hopefully this actually works and we improve on student retention, but it would be nice if he doesn't drag me into this again next year." "Ahem. 'First, introduce yourself and your student assistant if present. Give a brief expl--' I'm not supposed to read this out loud. Takulu, backslant doesn't have a common meaning when applied to full paragraphs, it just looks like you're writing sloppily. Alright, 'introduce yourself and explain your branch.' Hm. Well, I am a member of the Rain-Scribes. Rain-Scribes are usually explained as being 'adaptable,' and open to self-correction. Frankly I always thought that made it sound like we're the best at being wrong. Ms. Keitana is a Cascade Bearer, which are usually described as being imaginative and creative. Another way of saying it is that Cascade Bearers provide many solutions, some of which are bad, and Rain-Scribes implement and provide feedback on those solutions. "None of it matters much--I became a Rain-Scribe because a mentor who I often worked with was a Rain-Scribe, and it was convenient to call myself one, and they eventually expect you to align yourself with a branch. Really the most important long term distinction is that Emerald Boughs are expected to work on outreach and expeditions, and Tempest-Sun Mages are expected to remain near the Magaambya to help defend it." Ms. Keitana waves a hand, and Teacher Ulawa pauses, giving her a moment to speak. "The Cascade Bearers have some resources regarding dreams, omens and divinations, which I specialize in. They are also more open in general to the subtle art of interpretation of those things, even if others in the academy still use them occasionally, and... bluntly. Also, please call me Mariama." Suddenly, there's a massive, deafening crack of lighting, the sky goes white, and the two wait a moment while everyone recovers. Teacher Ulawa briefly glances off towards another group, shakes her head, and continues, gesturing with the scroll. "Mafika, you show-off. Right... what were we saying... ah, yes, Ms. Keitana had a good point. Each branch has particular attitudes that are the most common, particular resources they specialize in, and particular responsibilities they are expected to fulfill. You might find that a branch is a good fit in terms of their attitude, but that you simply do not enjoy their technical practices. During my first few years, most of my study-mates were from the Uzunjati, and I aligned well with their philosophies, but I simply had no interest in actually collecting and preserving knowledge, particularly with their insistence on maintaining traditional oral storytelling techniques. When you start quibbling on whether it's 'for-ci-pu-le' or 'for-ci-pule' and it actually matters because you need to artfully contort your stanzas around... well, I certainly couldn't tolerate it." She snorts, snapping the parchment open again, and starts reading through it. "Regardless, you won't need to worry about it for a little while. You can swap branches fairly easily, at least during the first year, and even past that it's not an ordeal or anything. Alright now... ask questions... 'who are you'? What kind of stupid question is that? 'What most interests you,' nobody cares... these are all pointless, didn't he have... ah! Here we go, 'aptitude tests'! Ms. Keitana, did he also give you that snake?" Mariama rolls her eyes, waving vaguely towards what looks like a really nice shack, maybe a small tool shed, decorated and built with the same care as all the other buildings in the Magaambya, just unusually small and solitary. "It was in the basket." "That basket was for the snake? I thought that was for lunch." "I mean it could be. A bit of augury and a quick fry, sounds nice to me." Teacher Ulawa pauses, considering, then shakes her head. "No, he said something about 'stop them if they take the question literally.' One moment, don't go anywhere." She hurries off, and there's an extremely awkward pause as Mariama looks at the three of you, then sighs. "Alright. Hi everyone, my name is Mariama Keitana. I specialize in curses and divination. One interesting thing about me is... hmm. Oh! One time, I tried to brew a kind of tej that could help with inducing visions. I'd been careful about cultivating the gesho very particularly, with the leshys' help, emphasizing certain properties, but I didn't actually pay attention to the honey I was using. I'm assuming either Chizire or Haibram swapped out a bottle for a special kind the Beekeeper had gathered, where the bees were fed only on-- well, the point is that tej with that kind of honey would have just had an unusual effect, which would've normally just led to a wilder night than usual during some festival. When I first tested the batch with both of the 'altered' ingredients, I certainly did have a wild night, but so did everyone else, when I ran around campus cursing all the doors to connect to each other. It was this sort of cascading, self-replicating curse that fed off the ambient magic of the school, and it was a curse on the doors as people, not as doorway-portals, so it spread into their spirits and they kept swapping with each other for weeks even after most of it was dispelled, and it leaked into Nantambu a little too." She shrugs, waving a hand idly. "People still use it as an excuse to be late sometimes, but it should have dissipated by now even the teachers hadn't gotten rid of the bulk of it. Anyway, chop chop, tell us your name, what you're best at, and something interesting about you or that you've done. Oh, and spikey girl, cool it with the, uh... with the secret thing. The thing you're probably thinking about. We can talk later." OOC: Alright. What I want is for each player to post their initial reaction in the thread: a few details about their day so far and how they reacted to the mass of new students, and then a detailed response within the group, introducing themselves to their groupmates and answering the first question. After that, please move to the Discord for the back and forth. The group teacher and their assistant will be asking questions and posing problems, with the expectation that the students in the group discuss answers and solutions back and forth.
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Aug 25, 2021 10:34
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 Group A - Scarlet Hood The excitement around the opening ceremony is, of course, absolutely infectious. It's hard to say whether Scarlet is picking up the heady concepts being thrown down, but she's certainly actively listening and practically vibrating with excitement. Her tinier, more floral friend, Soars On The Wind, is absolutely vibrating with excitement. Or the general breeze playing across the crowd -- it can be hard to tell. After the main speech, she goes to find her good friend and sometimes bird-watching competitor, Takulu. She's joined by a few others to listen to his speech, one of whom she stands next to on tippy toes to whisper loudly at them, "That's me!", when the noble Teacher Ot points her out. There's a beat after he finishes and Esi finishes her own introduction, then there's a breathless rush of Leshy hustling in to fill the air. Scarlet Hood says, "That's an easy question! I'm Scarlet Hood." One who did not know her might read more into that than warranted, convincing themselves that the ambulatory mushroomess was possessed of uncanny wisdom and a sense of self-knowledge that the great sages would envy. "I can talk to animals, and I help plants grow, and I'm really good at bird-watching..." Her momentum stops dead for a moment, Soars vibrating atop her cap, then she brightens, "Oh! This is Soars On The Wind. She's my friend." Tricky fucked around with this message at 00:25 on Aug 26, 2021 |
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Aug 25, 2021 15:49
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Orvald Nylund Today was the big day, the opportunity to see if they'd made the right decision in coming here. While others would grimace at the backdrop the skies had chosen to grace the day with, it made Orvald smirk. After all, their path getting here was through a relentless rainstorm. At least here the water only went up to the ankle, rather than all the way up to the knee. They gathered their things from their temporary dwelling and took off towards the Magaambya. This in and of itself was not the end of the problems, however, as the route they had initially taken had become treacherous footing. Thankfully, they had the presence of mind to ask about alternative routes from passers-by, and used that knowledge to reach their destination on time. Admittedly, this was not what he expected. From what was initially gathered, the first day of teaching at the Magaambaya was no different from the last day: those admitted with the time to spare and the desire to learn funnel in and attend class with whomever was there that day, with no particularly strict attendance guidelines. Instead, there was a large gathering of people all getting together to, seemingly, be introduced to the alumni, not unlike an orientation day at most other institutions. At the same time, this was a welcome change from expectation. The more questions they could find the answer to on the first day, the less awkward the next few days would be. They assume the center is where the primary presentation will take place, and find a spot to stand, surrounded by people they've at most seen in passing for the few days they've been here. The first story reminds them all too much of their homeland. Priests of Torag and Erastil were often considered bastions of the community, people to rely on in times of hardship. At the same time, there was something of an unwritten rule: try to solve the problem yourself before coming to them for aid. The uncommon Sarenrae followers were the exception, extolling the time and patience for anyone who needed help. That kind of complete selflessness was definitely what drew Orvald to that particular deity, though Janatimo's tale does make them ponder if that's actually how such an existence shakes out. Mafika's display, meanwhile, has them instantaneously captivated. In idle thoughts they considered learning how to perform a similar stunt for making their presence known. One would need the attention of everyone in the room if they were to attempt to play at parlay. They snap themselves out of the daydream in time to hear about the request for introductions, and leap at the chance, raising their hand the instant the floor is open to discussion. "I would like to seize the initiative, Teacher Ayuwari, Halibram!" Looking around and seeing that they have, seemingly, gained the looks of everyone else in this subset of the gathering, they reassert themselves and continue. "I am Orvald Nylund, a follower of Sarenrae from northern Avistan. I excel in direct physical combat, negotiations, and labor. I came here for two reasons. First, to learn and attain a deeper connection with my deity by studying the Touch of the Sun and immersing myself in its cultural homeland. Secondly, to become more capable at helping others in need by broadening my worldview and skillset." They take a moment to put on their best smile and a foot forward. "My crowning glory is my conviction, which carried me through the Sodden Lands to the west and all the way to here." They lift said foot off the ground. "Algae from said swamps still yet clings to my boots despite my best efforts. Mayhap it will serve as proof of my tale."
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Aug 25, 2021 17:20
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Group A Bhekimp'lo, Mbe'ke Dwarf Barbarian (Beck for short)  The crowd is large, but Beck has seen larger. And he is a hard man to intimidate. If he is to be compared to all of these initiates, it will be a challenge, but Beck has overcome challenges before. Attending this school will be no different. Wearing a serious expression, Beck's willpower wins out over his enthusiasm, and he stares ahead at Teacher Ot and Esi, ignoring the steady trickle of water passing over his left ear and soaking into his blue leather rain-cape. As the leshy introduces herself, Beck feels confident and smirks silently - she does not have the eye of the tiger-shark. Her competitive spirit is nonexistent! But a measure of doubt creeps in to his otherwise implacable facade. There has been no mention of competition among the initiates, and in fact it seems that some kind of cooperation is being encouraged. The clans do the same thing to encourage unity - these Magaambyans have good sensibility. But Beck is confident; eventually it will be time to prove his strength and wisdom, and he will be vigilant for the opportunity. "My people call me Bhekimp'lo, and rank me as able seaman second class. I have served aboard the floating fortress Stormbreaker all my life. I am among the strongest swimmers of the Mbe'ke, and I fear nothing. They say I am blessed by Uvuko, but I know not. They say that I don't belong here, and I believe they know not. So, esteemed Teacher Ot, I am here to learn who is right, and who is wrong. I wish to be the one who says who I am." The dwarven warrior bows to the teacher and his attendant, Esi. "If it pleases you all, call me by the Mwangi name of Beck."
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Aug 25, 2021 18:32
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Group C - Ramiel I'm soaked. Not the best start. Ramiel looks down at his sodden dance clothes, a nothing on his torso, but a fine red and gold cloth sash around his waist that hangs heavily down towards the ground. At least everyone else is damp too, they won't judge on that account. But perhaps better I wait on general introductions until I'm a little more presentable. As Janatimo begins his speech, Ramiel slides towards the back of the crowd, as if to avoid the eyes he imagined were falling on his deshevelled state. He leans against a wall under one of the furthest umbrellas and tries to ignore the feeling of rivulets of water dripping from his sash and then running down his leg to focus on the speech. With Janatimo coming to a close, he pushes himself off the wall and heads over to where his two new... colleages? compatiots? potential friends? are standing, next to Teacher Ulawa and Mariama. As Ulawa goes through her, clearly unprepared, opening monologue, Ramiel stares into the middle distance, desparately trying to cram all this knowledge in. Right... Emerald Boughs? That sounds like my sort of thing. Dealing with people, not magic. Everyone here's going to be a great mage not everyone will be good with people. Play to your strengths, Ramiel, you can do this. You deserve to be here. "Errr... Hi everyone. I guess I'll go first. I'm Ramiel. Ramiel Makisal. Elf, in case, that wasn't obvious. I'm from Nagisa. Over on the eastern side of the jungle. Just got here yesterday. I was worried that I'd miss this actually. Long treks in the jungle aren't normally my forte. Anyway, yeah, that's who I am. As for what interests me most? Dancing. I'm a dancer. Beyond that, probably demons, honestly. It's why I was sent here. Er... Not because of the whole the tiefling thing, though I won't deny that's a route of interest too. No. My tribe fights them. I was sent here to learn more about them so we might get better at that. I worship one actually. Not one of the evil ones, a reformed one. Nocticula. You might have heard of her. I nearly joined her clergy. So I guess that's my interesting thing too. Ah, I'm rambling. I'll shut up now. Oh! Pleased to meet you all!" And after that slightly awkward introduction, he bows deeply.
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Aug 25, 2021 21:09
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Group A - Valfane Valfane wakes late, as usual, and has just enough time to make himself presentable and snag a piece of fruit for breakfast before hurrying out to the Magaambya. He does his best to dodge and duck between awnings and trees along the route to the plaza, hoping to avoid resembling a drowned rat on his first day. The assembled crowd is impressively large and varied. He looks around with interest at the other students, flashing a smile at anyone who meets his eyes. Never miss a chance to make a good first impression, he thinks, before turning to face the elf who's starting to address them - "Oh gods," Val mumbles. An observer might note a certain poleaxed expression on the young kayal's face as he stares across the plaza at Janatimo. This is who his sponsor is? The Speaker of All the World's Tales? He hopes he didn't say anything too flippant. He pulls himself back together in time to follow most of the speech and then be shepherded into the small group around Teacher Ot and Esi for more explanations and introductions. "Who are you?" Easy question, say something glib and move on. A handsome devil. An admirer of the muses. A weak little fetchling who's scared- Quickly shutting that thought down, he's happy to latch on to Esi's questions and his new classmates' answers instead. "Glad to meet you Scarlet Hood, Soars On The Wind, Beck," he says, nodding politely to each of his fellow students and teachers. "Valfane, musician and singer, at your service. I've picked up a little common magic here and there, too." He shrugs - it doesn't really seem worthy of the name 'magic' compared to the display of power they've just seen from Teacher Ayuwari. "Something interesting... well, I love watching the stars. One time I slipped on board the vessel of an extremely unwelcoming seacaptain because I'd heard she had a great spyglass for viewing the celestial. Ended up having to swim home after they caught me, but even still, it was worth it." Ripley fucked around with this message at 23:48 on Aug 25, 2021 |
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Aug 25, 2021 23:18
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Group B - Draahzin Dragonscaled Kobold Summoner Wet, cold, caked in mud yet strangely exhilarated Draazhin watches the proceedings with interest. His trip was difficult and time consuming, the rains, the mud, the high water level all proved problematic for his small frame. But worse of all was the crowds. So many people, nearly all of them towering over him set off warnings in his mind. Normally it would have been too much for one of his kind. Crowds can be fine if they are fellow kobolds, but the bigger people? But he is a changed kobold. He has the mighty blood of dragons coursing through his veins, his scales reveal their might, he is better than the cowards his kind are often believed to be. He cannot let this situation overwhelm him. He passes through the crowds, he deals with the mud that is far too deep for one of his size, and crosses the water, often calling upon his friend to help him bypass these obstacles, and sending his friend away when their presence would be awkward or get in the way. Finally he makes his way to where the new students gather, following the guides to where his group is supposed to meet. He stands in the rain, ignoring the umbrellas of force to allow the rain to wash the layers of mud from his waist, legs and bare feet. He listens respectfully to the first speakers, but it is the introduction Mafika Ayuwari and Haibram Thodja that catches his attention. He watches them with amazement, his toothy face breaking out in a delighted grin. His eyes dazzled by the lightning surging around Mafika, and the balance and skill of Haibram. He nods as Orvald gives their introduction and when they finish Draahzin steps forward. "Ma-fi-ka" he hisses as if putting power into the name, "Haibram" he nods to the two, then continues. "I am Draahzin! The blood of dragons runs through my veins." As he says this he brings a hand to his chest, tapping it once before the claws curl together. He adds, "as for my Crowning Glory" He then reaches out to the air next to him, a brief flash of frost and then he is touching the hide of a medium silver dragon that is faintly translucent. A golden symbol appears on his forehead, echoed on the dragon's, taking the shape of a three dragon's claw. Each of the three talons of the claw seems to have a representation of an element dripping acid, flickering fire, and foggy frost. The silver dragon and Draahzin move in tandem, turning in opposite directions. A glint of light as the silver dragon lifts its head and opens its jaws breathing out a cone of cold into the air harmlessly away from any people. At the same time Draahzin turns toward another direction and imitates the dragon, though in his case it is a line of acid that streams out. The acid evaporates some of the rain in an area while the frost turns some water into ice and snow. As both breath weapons lash out and end the two turn in tandem toward the teacher and senior student. "Silver Scale, my friend, my companion, is my Crowning Glory. We are one. My blood brought me beyond others of my kind, but my connection to Silver Scale has brought me even further." He places his claw upon Silver Scale. "As for skills Silver Scale is quite good in combat, and I have some skill with magic allowing me to attack, or to enhance Silver Scale in combat."
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Aug 26, 2021 00:39
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Visshenia, Nethys-Touched Shisk Cleric & Cultist Group: C (The-Know-It-Alls)  Visshenia had spent her morning walking through the closest of the theater districts of Nantambu, perusing the posted and crier'd advertisements, on the eager lookout especially for one of the sponsored Guild competitions. She was hoping that today's activities would be a light affair so that she would have time to take in a show as a reward for her successful journey. It was a tradition she held to, taking in these local performances, both for the pleasure of it, but also for the sneak-peek into a culture's customs and morals. Oratory especially held her, as the Shisk kept most of their histories in the oral form, and she absorbed understanding better through performatives than the written word. Here, among the student crowd, Visshenia was pleased with the arcane-umbrellas. They struck a perfect balance between overall comfort and the still-novelty of the jungle's abundant rain. And when surprised with the story by Janatimo, the Speaker himself, for her and her fellow's consumption - she considered her tradition kept then and there. She was initially more aloof with her own group's pair of mentors. They didn't have the style of the Speaker, that was certain, but they had their own wisdoms surely. The story of the tej brew carried her attention until... Mariama Keitana posted:Oh, and spikey girl, cool it with the, uh... with the secret thing. The thing you're probably thinking about. We can talk later. She was contemplating her own introduction when she noticed a number of eyes directly on her person. Only then did she realize that 'spikey girl' was referring to her. (For the record, she had (vestigial) plumage - not spikes, and 'girl' had connotations of naivete she didn't quite appreciate and would never assign to herself.) Thus, beginning on a flustered and now more paranoid foot, she fell back into the cryptic etiquette of her Shisk people: reveal as little as possible, as politely as possible. "I am Visshenia of Pashow." She pronounced her taken name 'Viss-shee-nee-ah' - though the ss-to-sh inflections were so quick together (an artifact of her vampire-like front fangs) that many surface speakers simply approximated it to 'Viz-zhee-nee-ah.' Show bowed her head once, "Until we come to know each other's family lore, you may refer to me as simply 'V.'" "I am the best at the things to which I set my mind, though I most commonly set them towards the arts and the arcane. Here I am but a humble scholar, a craftswoman of interest only to the interesting. But it is my intent to learn and grow and one day, Nethys willing, teach at this great establishment." code:Barbed Tongues fucked around with this message at 23:42 on Aug 26, 2021 |
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Aug 26, 2021 01:21
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Group C - Melidiere, Elven Wizard Well, it was wet, but what do you expect out of a city on an island in the middle of a coastal rainforest. Luckily Melidiere was prepared. As Janatimo gave his speech, Melidiere kept her umbrella up- the sorcerous umbrellas didn't have 100% coverage, and the sheets of water that flowed between them still tended to drift sideways with the wind. The umbrella helped keep that off. As the senior mage completed his story, Melidiere started to applause, then stopped as she noticed that nobody else was joining in. Now that was just rude, a good story like that deserved applause and attention, but maybe the others heard this so many times that they were inured to the speech. As the Speaker ended his speech, the crowd began to disperse and Melidiere found herself lost in a crowd that was larger than most of the gatherings that occurred in her village. Nervously picking her way through the crowd, she found the group that she was assigned to. As she listened to the pair of women talk, she started to relax a bit only to start when the bolt of lightning cracked down with booming furiousity. Still, the two women seemed similar to the lorekeeper back home, if with a bit more abrasive no-nonsene attitude, so the young elf began to relax again, reaching out for that similarity. When Teacher Ulawa left, leaving Ms. Keitana introducing herself. When she offered up the floor to the rest Melidiere opened her mouth, "I-" she started, only to quiet down when Ramiel starts up. Then again when Visshenia- V- introduced herself. When the taller girl finished, Melidiere finally mustered the courage to speak up. "Hi, I'm Melidiere Al'Tessare, though I suppose that's a bit of a mouthful, so you can call me Melidiere, or Mel I guess." The elf started speaking, slowly gaining a bit more confidence as she spoke, "I'm not really that interesting I guess, this is the first time I've really been out of my village." Realizing that might give the wrong impression she continued with a bit of ferocity, "That doesn't mean that I'm dumb or anything. I'm just mostly self taught in magic and languages of Draconic, Dwarven, Goblin and Sylvan. I suppose that I'd be considered somewhat of a generalist in magic, but I've always had a bit more interest in the schools illusion and enchantment. But I have a diverse interest in most forms of magic. I suppose my greatest achievement is this staff that I made last year" Melidiere lifts the carved staff in her hands, barely more than a walking stick, dulls runes of magic imbued into the item. "It's not very impressive right now, but I want to learn how to improve it further." As she finishes speaking, a kingfisher squawks and lands on her shoulder, and Melidiere laughs a little bit, "And this is Vamos, my familiar. I bonded with him a few years ago and we've been inseparable since. " pre:Prepared spells: Cantrips Prestidigitation Electric Arc Daze Light Mage Hand Level 1 Befuddle Command Staff Nexus (0 Charges) Telekinetic projectile (Cantrip level 1) Befuddle (Level 1) berenzen fucked around with this message at 03:48 on Aug 26, 2021 |
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Aug 26, 2021 02:57
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Group B - Kakka Tengu Witch The relatively short trip to Nantambu was mostly uneventful for Kakka. He spent his time on ship and caravan...studying. Before he left the Shackles, he found in a dock stall a ragged book on insects of Mwangi, and intently focused on it after his meeting with..the strange old lady. When he wasn't beak first in the book, he was focused on the new, interesting landscape through which they traveled. Anything, really, instead of focusing on the thought haunting him: I've never been this far from the roost. The caravan arrived the morning of the ceremony. As Kakka walks from the...What do mainlanders even call this? A caravan dock? ... of the city towards the school's island, another uneasy thought creeps into his head: I've never seen so many people. His looks around the unfamiliar streets grow increasingly erratic, and Zilch lazily lays a tentacle across his talon «Calm. Show no Weakness.» "I'm tryin', Zilch. There's so many, though... It's like those ants of the plains I was reading about, swarming everywhere. Not at all like home. And this rain.." «It is Refreshing.» Kakka clicks his beak in a Tengu huff. "Easy for you to say..." A soaked Kakka finally reaches the island and the group of students. He nervously shuffles into the ranks and looks around at the fellow arrivals. ... calm. Calm.. At least it's dry here.. He listens to the elf's story, and heads towards the stage with the human and dwarf await. He half listens to the speech at the start, and looks around to the other group members. They look like they belo... The crack of lightning interrupts his anxious thoughts, and he focuses keenly on Teacher Ayuwari. Whoa! Can I learn to do that? Like the Duke of Thunder himself?? His nervousness turns to excitement as he attentively listens to the rest. During a pause of his fellow group-members introductions, Kakka takes a step forward and pipes up. "I am Kakka! Kakka Taraka. I migrate from the Shackles. I have some interest and skill at crafting poultices and oils of various kinds. I seek to learn what there is to learn here, as I follow a sound on the winds. My crowning glory, my crowning glory..." Kakka looks down at the ground as he pauses. "I...have no crowning glories." he says softly. Zilch pushes hard into his side. Kakka lets out a small squawk, and the feathers of his head ruffle before he quickly regains his excited posture and looks ahead at Teacher Ayuwari and Haibram. "..At least, not yet. My greatest glories await me on the winds ahead." He gives a firm nod, and looks around the rest of the student's semicircle. "I look forward to the glories we shall find together!" Kakka keeps nodding, softer than the first but continuously as he returns to his position in the semi-circle, feathers smoothed. Kakka is dressed plainly in a grey-green robe. He has a large scar running obliquely the length of his beak. He stands with a bit more of a forward leaning avian pose, though not as much as a non-humanoid bird would, and is roughly 4'8" in height with this posture. He has white and light blue markings covering the edges of his beak, and run down his neck. Similar markings surround the wrists of his talons. These markings seem to mostly be organic curves, without any repeated pattern, and may to some resemble tentacles, or strands of kelp. He wears a belt beneath his robes, where a manner of pouches reside, as well as his weapons tacked to his side. He wears a nine-ringed sword across his back, but it looks more ornamental than of any real use. His physical stature certainly suggests he lacks any real ability with it. The rings of the sword clink against the blade softly as he steps. code:bobthenameless fucked around with this message at 05:43 on Aug 26, 2021 |
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Aug 26, 2021 03:41
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Group A Me'abi the Quick Me'abi took the words in, clutching the pendant under her cloak. Walking into the school and suddenly being invited in as a student was not exactly what she had expected. She had just been wandering, and yet this pendant had somehow taken her her. And they reconized her as a student thanks to this thing. Despite not knowing any magic. "I am Me'abi, and I know some slight of hand." She admitted, "No real magic." She was also a bit of a fast talker and had a good eye for the details. But nothing else she wanted to say. "Yet. At least."
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Aug 28, 2021 08:05
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ORIENTATION OMNIBUS // RIDDLE REVUE GROUP A Esi grins indulgently at Scarlet and Soars. "A wonderful friend indeed." Teacher Ot is nodding at Beck's pronouncement, of 'I wish to be the one who says who I am.' He seems astounded by the phrase, connecting deeply with it, a profound statement of intent and identity that speaks to his own soul. He closes his eyes, still nodding, then reorients his attention to the others. "Very good. My next question is, 'what do you seek? Why have you chosen to come to the Magaambya?' Again, this is a personal question, and perhaps one you cannot answer immediately. Or, a question you do not wish to tell us. That is fine. What I would ask is that you ponder it; and, if you do know, and are comfortable, that you share it with us." Esi steps up, with a sort of folding table, a simple wooden thing with a hard top. She sets it up, then places a smooth river stone on it, and addresses you. "And, while you are pondering that, ponder this test: 'Can you make this stone dance by itself?'" Teacher Ot adds a clarification. "It's fine if you don't have any ideas, but please think it through." Me'abi (Dr Pepper): Right so the matter of making the stone dance by itself. She would think more about those questions which she didn't even know the answer to at this point. With a smile on her face she approached the table. "The rock can dance off the table." She said, running her hand over the stone. Letting it seemingly vanish from the table. She then flipped her hands over, showing that they were empty. "Where could the rock have gone?" She said with a smile, before stepping back. "Right there it is." The rock had somehow slipped under the table. Thievery to palm an Object: 6+6=12 (failure) GM (zachol): Teacher Ot had smiled. "Close, but not entirely what I had in mind." He had knocked it onto the table with his sandal and given the table a few bumps to keep it spinning. Perhaps something Me'abi could've accomplished with a bit of specific practice, but what a strange thing to spend time mastering. Scarlet Hood (Tricky): Scarlet gives that a good think. Or at least a good try! She's much more confident with the dancing stone, though, since that's one of her sure-fire praise-getters in the garden. Why did she come to the Magaambya? It was interesting, of course, and there were a bunch of things that she couldn't see if she didn't come here. Also, Takulu said she should and he was really smart. And... also asking why, so maybe that wasn't the answer he wanted. Or was it? Eventually Scarlet settles on, "We~ell, a certain someone said that the Magaambya was the most interesting place they knew! And they also said that they thought I would fit right in here. So here I am!" She looks around at the people in the plaza, then gives a conspiratorial look at Esi as she stage whispers, "I think they were right!" Turning her attention to the rock, though, she snaps her fingers and says, "This one is much easier! All you need to do to get a rock to dance..." A beat, an expectant silence. "...is give it a little music to dance to, and then ask nicely!" Rhythmically tapping her staff against the ground, beating out a fairly common garden rhyme, she implores the rock, "I know it's a little sad to dance by yourself, but please?" Almost incidentally, of course, she's gathered the primal energy of the area to pull the rock upwards. It loosely twirls and spins, almost in time to the beat of Scarlet's staff, and when she's done it drops back onto the folding table with a bit of a clatter. GM (zachol): Esi claps. "Very good!" Then looks to the rest of the group. Beck (Infinite Karma): Beck makes a noise halfway between a chuckle and a grunt at the magical antics. "I'd have just thrown it back in the river it came from. It didn't get smooth like that by sitting still." GM (zachol): Esi looks to Teacher Ot, who nods, pondering. "Indeed, that could work, and is very close. I'm curious, though, do you have any other ideas?" He's indicating you're on the right track in a sense, but would like to see you 'make it dance' here as well. Beck (Infinite Karma): Beck clears his throat, and asks Scarlet, "please, continue the music?" Scarlet Hood (Tricky): Scarlet, of course, obliges! Beck (Infinite Karma): Walking up to the table, he lifts one of its legs off the ground and rests it on his foot, unbalancing the tabletop, and then proceeds to rhythmically wobble the table back and forth, in time with the music, a pattern resembling ocean waves. He looks back at the teacher and raises an eyebrow, wondering if this solution is clever enough. GM (zachol): Teacher Ot smiles and nods. "Two solutions, very good." Valfane (Ripley): When Scarlet mentions music and starts to tap her staff, Valfane unslings his pack and retrieves his lute. He tries to play around her beat, complementing it without overwhelming it. Following Beck's demonstration, Valfane keeps playing quietly. "Can't say I've ever made rocks dance, but when you meet someone who does know how," he nods at Scarlet and Beck, "best to get out of the way and help them do it." He takes a deep breath and turns to Teacher Ot. "You asked why we want to be here, sir. For me, truthfully, I came because I needed help." Keep breathing. This is fine. "I'm a kayal, as you might guess. Our ancestors took shelter from disaster in the Shadow Plane and were changed by that realm," he adds. Never hurts to explain, so many people think it makes me some kind of demon or elemental... "When I was very small, a priest found that my soul was still deeply tied to the plane of shadow, and there are a whole lot of creatures there that I really don't want to be tied to, sir. A seer told me that I need to learn to control the connection if I want to defend myself, and that I wouldn't be able to do that without help. And so, uh, there you have it." He bows awkwardly to the group. Excellent, now they all think I'm a disaster. Great start. Performance to make an Impression: 19+7 (critical success) GM (zachol): Teacher Ot is deeply touched, and somber, taking in Valfane's heartfelt plea. Esi reaches out, resting a hand on his shoulder if he'll allow it. "I can't imagine how that feels, but I promise that you will find help here. I know there have been others, who have struggled with their own stalking spirits. And," she smiles, tilting her head forward, "know that you are not bound to live only this struggle. You will overcome this, and you will find much, much more." While Valfane and Esi have a moment, Teacher Ot nods a few times, then glances at the others in the group. "Many good answers. You will hear it repeated, but I will say it again, that the heart of the Magaambya is our reliance on each other. It is not just that we help each other, but that we trust. When you trust, you can reach farther, more than you ever could on your own, you take a running leap into the open air. A union made of those who trust each other is far stronger than one where the members simply grant their aid on occasion, on a whim, if and when it suits them." He nods, then takes a deep breath. "Well, perhaps something lighter. Riddles! The grand tradition of the Magaambya. A simple one to start: 'I have three chickens to spare, and I give them to two fathers and two sons. How can this be so?'" Me'abi can attempt to make the rock dance as well, or to answer the riddle or one of the earlier questions. Also, if the riddle is answered and I'm not around, someone can propose a new one. Scarlet Hood (Tricky): Scarlet pipes up, "Oh! I know this one. You gave the chickens to a grandpa, a father, and a son. The grandpa and the father are both fathers, but the father and the son are both sons!" A beat, not even waiting for the validation of hearing she's correct, and then she asks, "I have a hat without a head, and a leg without a boot. What am I?" GM (zachol): Teacher Ot grins at Scarlet Hood with the answer. "Very good! And thank you in turn for continuing. A puzzle indeed..." Valfane (Ripley): Valfane doesn't flinch away from Esi, although he looks startled by the gesture. "Thanks," he says quietly, looking down at his lute. "Sorry to talk your ear off, I planned to save that until at least Day Two." He still feels a little uncomfortable and self-conscious as he listens to Teacher Ot's words about trust. He found out his sponsor is secretly Very Important, he just shared an alarming amount of sincerity with these people he barely knows, and it isn't even lunchtime yet. Not his best morning. Riddles are definitely an improvement over serious questions, though. "A ghost!" he offers to Scarlet Hood's. "Uh, a spooky, leggy ghost? Hmm." Scarlet Hood (Tricky): "Mm, not quite! Another clue… I find life in death." Beck (Infinite Karma): "A mushroom." Beck says flatly. He looks mildly confused, unsure of what to make of the leshy woman. On one hand, she'd already emphasized the simplicity of her identity... is she pointing out deep common threads to the questions we are asking of ourselves? Or is she just simple and only knows mushroom puns? "And Valfane, if it is the way of the Magaambya to help each other as brothers, the evil spirits of shadow had best prepare to dig two graves; you will not face your fears alone. This, I promise." Scarlet Hood (Tricky): Scarlet says, "Got it! Though, come to think of it, I'd also have accepted 'a pretty beat-up zombie.'" GM (zachol): Teacher Ot chuckles. "A mushroom indeed." Beck (Infinite Karma): Beck laughs at the image of a beat up zombie in a hat. "And for mine: what thing, no matter how big it is, can you put in a barrel that makes the barrel lighter?" Valfane (Ripley): Valfane cuts another shallow bow to Beck, partly to hide his surprise at the extremely intense dwarf's words. "Thanks - er, I hope you'll count on my help as well." He considers the new riddle. Dwarves are famous for their craftsmanship, so maybe the answer is something esoteric and technical, but that would make it an exam more than a riddle. Or a trick question... "A hole?" he suggests. Beck (Infinite Karma): "Indeed," Beck replies, nodding, both to Valfane's generous offer, and the correct answer to the riddle. Valfane (Ripley): Valfane smiles at the answer, looking satisfied. "Good one. I'll take a turn: what's something so fragile that even saying its name will break it?" Scarlet Hood (Tricky): In a stage whisper, Scarlet says, "A souffle!" Valfane (Ripley): Valfane grins at the leshy. "Not what I was thinking of - I've never seen a souffle myself, though, so I'd have to ask the judges..." Scarlet Hood (Tricky): "Well, a good riddle always has a few ways to understand it, but I'm interested in figuring out the one you were thinking of!" Scarlet thinks for a moment, "Hmmm..." GM (zachol): Esi laughs at the answer, smiling lightly. "I think the 'right' answer might be 'silence,' no? I know about souffles but haven't had any, or tried to make one. Something about mixing the eggs as fast as you can? Anyway, here's an Osirian puzzle, one of my favorites. 'A great merchant had died, and had willed his camels to his three sons, such that the first son would receive half of them, the second son one-third, and the last son one-seventh of the herd. When the merchant died, he had forty-one camels, and as the sons discussed the matter, they saw that to truly divide up the camels that way, some would have to be slaughtered and cut up, something none of them wanted. However, an ingenious solicitor realized there was a simple and easy solution. What did he propose?'" Beck (Infinite Karma): Considering the math for a moment, Beck responds. "Borrowing an extra camel to gift their late father for his funeral would make measuring a half, a third, and a seventh of the herd simple. And after dividing up the 42 camels, one would be left over, to return to the kind soul they borrowed it from." Valfane (Ripley): Valfane loses heart partway through Esi's riddle when he recognises some kind of maths puzzle. That sounds too much like hard work, so he's relieved to see that Beck is keen to wade into the fray. "Clever. Shame the Osirian merchant didn't meet this cunning solicitor while he was still alive, though, maybe he could've written a better will that didn't require borrowed camels." GM (zachol): Esi smiles. "Yes, exactly! I remember being upset as a child with the math, though it makes more sense when you realize that a half, a third and a seventh don't add up to a whole, and that most numbers of camels wouldn't divide evenly regardless. Some of us can get a little competitive with convoluted riddles about boxes and lines and twisting sheets of parchment around to match up the edges in some strange way. There's no official 'riddle club,' but some of us do enjoy the more... technical ones, with mathematics and geometry. You could join us, if you find it fun." Beck (Infinite Karma): Beck grins broadly with the compliment. If Esi is the favored pupil of this faceless favored teacher, she seems like a strong friend to have in the school. And she's got a pleasant energy of her own regardless. "It would be an honor, Esi. I enjoy working with my mind like this, and am always ready for a challenge," he replies, accepting the invitation. GROUP B Teacher Ayuwari smiles gently at Kakka's introduction. There is a sense in which he would lay a hand on Kakka's shoulder, to reassure him, but he does not intrude into the tengu's space. "I can assure you that you have already accomplished many 'crowning glories,' even if you cannot recognize them just now. All I ask is that you ponder the question. Perhaps, in time, you will recognize your past deeds as worthy of praise." He waits a moment, impressing the message, then moves on. "Orvald! Tremendous, truly a great journey. I once scaled the pillars of the Irespan as part of a dare. Draahzin! An impressive connection. I look forward to your teamwork." He turns, motioning for you to follow him, back to the stage the pair had just jumped off of. He draws a candle from a small case, pressing it into the wood of the stage, right at the edge, and breathes into the base to melt it a little and keep it stuck, then turns back to address you. "You have all been accepted already, but tradition begs me to pose at least one or two tests. There will be others, so do not worry if you cannot achieve this one right now, but for those who wish to step forward here it is: 'Can you light this candle without flint or matches?'" He leaves it open-ended. If anyone goes ahead and then someone else wants a try, you can go ahead and snuff it out for your own attempt. Kakka (bobthenameless): "Thank you, Teacher Ayuwari. I will reflect on it." After the candle is offered, Kakka looks at the candle, then tilts his head to the side. "If I may..?" Kakka Casts Dancing Lights, with one light centered on the wick. GM (zachol): Teacher Ayuwari smiles and nods. "Indeed, an excellent showing." Haibram, being something of a little poo poo, leans forward and nudges the candle, so that it might move away from the floating light. Teacher Ayuwari glares and waves a hand at Haibram, with a brief crackle of electricity (that certainly does not actually strike out a the dwarf). He can try to match the candle's movement with his spell, either with an Occultism or a Spell Attack roll with DC 17, or an Intelligence (spellcasting stat) roll with DC 12 representing mental agility. Kakka (bobthenameless): Kakka attempts to keep the light centered on the wick as it moves Occultism to keep it stable: 8+6=14 (failure) GM (zachol): Kakka is close, but not quite, and Teacher Ayuwari is quite hostile in pushing Haibram away with his presence, while nonetheless being careful not to touch him. Haibram backs off, rubbing the back of his neck and sort of awkwardly smiling at Kakka. "Ahhh, sorry, sorry. Just kidding, it was a nice light." Teacher Ayuwari calms, then addresses Kakka. "Apologies. Again, a good showing." He looks to the rest of the group, if anyone else wants to try, while Haibram starts digging in a little pouch on his belt. Kakka (bobthenameless): "It is ok, thank you for showing me the flaw in my solution, Haibram." Kakka then steps away, showing nothing more than a keen interest in the other attempts. Draahzin (Ryuujin): Draahzin watches Kakka's attempt, a clever way of doing it. He knows he doesn't have anything quite that clever, but he has something that might possibly work. Or it might not, but no sense in not trying. He steps up lifts his claws and begins chanting and making gestures before unleashing an electric arc at the candle's wick. Electric arc attack 5+7=12 (failure)[/i] GM (zachol): The spell blasts the candle, leaving it dramatically shorter and, indeed, on fire. Teacher Ayuwari chuckles, then leans down to snuff it out with his fingers, and turns to Draahzin. "A good idea, but perhaps too much enthusiasm. It is just as important to temper your might, when appropriate." Kakka (bobthenameless): Kakka titters at the display, and nods in gleeful approval of Draahzin's method Orvald (Unknown Quantity): Orvald ponders how he's about to do this. He's certainly not as magically gifted as the others, and while he certainly has a solution in mind, he doesn't like it. Kakka's attempt, however, sets off their imagination. They reach into their pocket and grab an unlit torch from their pack. They then look over to Teacher Ayuwari. "Would you be so kind as to demonstrate such tempered might with this?" Diplomacy to make a request: 13+6 = 19 GM (zachol): Teacher Ayuwari chuckles, then leans forward, breathing into the torch. As if there were sleeping embers already in it, the torch glows, then slowly catches fire, and Ayuwari draws back. Orvald (Unknown Quantity): Orvald nods and then uses it to gently light the candle. "Sometimes you need to rely on the aid of others to accomplish things that'd be difficult to do alone. Thank you very much, Teacher Ayuwari." Ayuwari smiles back. "Precisely. A very good lesson indeed!" Kakka (bobthenameless): Kakka's beak hangs open a bit at this solution, unsure of the approach, despite his own attempt. On hearing Orvald's explanation, he closes his beak and gives a pensive head tilt. Lamor (Harold Fjord): "Whether from 'matches,' flint, or magic, fire does not survive in my realm" Lamor proclaims haughtily as he raises a scaled bag to his lips. Unarmed ranged attack: 4+7=11 (miss) GM (zachol): Lamor spits out a gob of water, quenching the candle, and leaving the wick fairly soaked. Teacher Ayuwari nods, adopting a somewhat pensive air. "Indeed, the candle is now out. And so...?" You also realize that although the park-like nature of the Magaambya means that there are plenty of sticks and twigs for the various sorts of improvised fire starting that doesn't involve the easier techniques like flint, they are also all soaked. Hmm. Teacher Ayuwari adds that "you can work at this further, if you wish. I know it can take a little while to light a fire the traditional way, but persistence is a virtue as well. Or we can move on, it is no important matter." Lamor (Harold Fjord): "My people make our own light." GM (zachol): Teacher Ayuwari turns to the group as a whole, adopting a calmer expression than usual. "The second test... well, it doesn't line up with my specialties, nor, I suspect, any of yours, but there will be times you need to stretch." He looks off to the nearby greenery, and makes a small, odd bird call, piercing but quiet, then a series of warbles and coos. It is very strange. After a few moments, a small blue quail peeks out from a bush, then takes a few hops towards the group, stopping midway and looking at you all curiously. Then, it flaps its wings a few times and starts preening itself. "This is a traditional test, meant to be easy and obvious to a druid who might be applying, who could just ask, but it is important to think through other ways it could be done, and truly the value of the test is much greater for others. It is, simply, 'can you get a feather from this bird without plucking one?'" Lamor (Harold Fjord): "Teacher. Would you please pluck me a feather from that bird there?" GM (zachol): Teacher Ayuwari sucks his teeth, frowning. "Mmm. Unfortunately, with our little friend here, I should say that no-one should be plucking his feathers. However, I can bring him closer, and perhaps a more delicate solution can come to mind?" He lets out a few more coos and warbles, and the bird hops forward, onto his hand, and he brings it up to the group for closer examination. Orvald (Unknown Quantity): "Well, if it's anything like getting stray bits of fur off of some of the wolf-dogs we keep up north..." While definitely a completely different beast in question, Orvald tries the surefire method to get a dog to shake out loose fur: producing their waterskin and gently dribbling the contents over the creature. Nature to get the bird's feathers ruffled: 0+20 = 20 (critical success) GM (zachol): Orvald pours some water on the bird, who (despite presumably already being soaked) becomes very agitated, flapping all about and actually scattering a pair of loose feathers while flying off (again, off into the rain apparently?). Teacher Ayuwari blinks, laughs briefly, then leans down to pick up the feathers, tucking them into Orvald's pocket. The pair of feathers. Two of them. He gives you a significant look. Orvald (Unknown Quantity): Orvald can't help but laugh. "I...did not expect that to work. But when fortune smiles upon you, share the spoils." They recall the previous round and, in fact, the person who just before tried at a feather, and approaches them. "Perhaps you'd like to try that request again?" Lamor (Harold Fjord): With a slight grimace, Lamor offers Orvald a stilted bow "If you wouldn't mind terribly lending your spare feather, I'd be in your debt." GM (zachol): "Hm. I'm not sure what lesson I originally meant to connect to this test, but this is an interesting lesson just the same. Though we should not be dealing in debts yet, not for such things... debts still do exist in the Magaambya, even contracts and grudges, but hopefully we can put all those off, at least for today." He nods, then addresses the group. "Moving on to the last round, I know that Teacher Ot would demand that I pose at least one riddle, his 'great tradition of the Magaambya.' However, even if I can on occasion work out the answer to the devilish things, I can never remember the precise details, and it's the precise details which are the entire point." He looks to the dwarf, who's been mostly just watching with interest while occasionally still digging in his bags and cursing. "Haibram, do you have a riddle?" Haibram is surprised for a moment, freezing and dragging out an 'uhhhhhhhh...', then shakes his head, thinking it over. "Uh. Oh! Right, so, 'what gets bigger the more you take away?' Eh?" Teacher Ayuwari gives him a deadpan look, unimpressed. "Get it? It's a dwarf joke, yeh? No? Okay, for serious... 'a man who was outside, in the rain an' without an umbrella or cap, didn't get a single hair on his head wet. Why?'" He winks to the group, giving a very brief nod towards (the bald) Teacher Ot. Meanwhile, Ayuwari is still unimpressed, and Haibram just laughs it off. "Okay, okay! So... mmmm. 'What kinda coat, is best put on wet?'" Teacher Ayuwari sighs, giving the rest of you a look. "I suppose that's barely a riddle, go ahead. Unless anyone has their own favorite?" Kakka (bobthenameless): Kakka, during the quail bit, was searching himself for a loose feather to offer as a trade, but as the quail flies off he stops fumbling over himself and lets the quail have its peace. At Haibram's riddle, he speaks up. "Oh! A fresh coat of paint, surely!" "I.. have some riddles. If I may offer one: ahem 'I run forever, but do not move at all. I have no lungs or throat, but a roaring call'" GM (zachol): Haibram grins, moving to slap Kakka on the back before abruptly breaking off and giving him a sheepish, apologetic look. "Ah yeah, exactly! Now fer that one... mm... the ocean? Rapids? Nah, that clue's reversed. Mmm... a rip on a canvas bag? Rips ain't really movin' when they're runnin'." GROUP C Mariama nods along. "Alright, so we've got V, Ramiel, and Mels. Nice stick, I see where it's going, and Nocticula... well I wouldn't say nobody knows her around here, but that tends to be an off-campus kind of activity. Might be a different flavor of worship than if you had an established sect back home. V, excellent about the craftwork, it'll help out a lot. Most techniques around here get a lot easier with steady hands." She looks off towards the shed, at Teacher Ulawa, and frowns. "She's looking at the snake. Yeah, it's a neat snake, that's the point, don't-- whatever. Alright, um. Um um um. Okay, sappy question or riddle, each of you can pick. Sappy question: what was the most recent good deed or 'act of service' that you've done? Riddle is... ah. 'I need to keep time for a ritual, tracking exactly fifteen minutes, but all I have are two sand timers, one each for seven minutes and eleven minutes. How can I use them to time fifteen minutes?' A reminder... well, I don't know how you do riddles where you come from, but you're supposed to ask questions. Like, 'can I tilt them at an angle,' which would be no, since I don't really know what a sand timer does at an angle." Melidiere (Berenzen): "I think I have the sand timer riddle" Mel states, "Flip both of them upside down and let the sand run. When the seven minutes runs out, you flip it again, letting it run for the next four minutes, so it and the eleven minute timer run out. When the eleven minute timer runs out, you should have four minutes on one side of the seven minute timer, so you just flip the seven minute timer over again to run it out to fifteen minutes." GM (zachol): Mariama smiles and nods. "Yes! Perfect!" She blinks, then abruptly frowns. "Wait, now I have to think up another riddle." Melidiere (Berenzen): As for riddles, how about "There are three crates, one with apples, one with oranges, and one with both apples and oranges mixed. Each crate is closed and labeled with one of three labels: Apples, Oranges, or Apples and Oranges. The labeller got mixed up and labeled all of the crates incorrectly. How could you pick just one fruit from one crate to figure out what’s in each crate?" Melidiere cracks a small smile, "I loved doing puzzles as a kid." GM (zachol): Mariama grins back. "Ooo, a good one," then looks at the rest of the group expectantly. Ramiel (CottonWolf): "Open all three crates and look? You’d have to open them up to get the fruit out anyway, and then you’re removing no fruit. Sorry, that’s probably not what you were looking for. I was never really one for riddles, they always seemed needlessly roundabout. So I guess I’ll take the sappy question..." "On the way here, while I was trekking through the jungle I found a crying grippli child, very young. We didn’t share any kind of language or anything. The only unusual language I speak is abyssal and she definitely wasn’t going to speak that. Anyway, we couldn’t really communicate, but I guessed she’d lost her parents. Maybe she hadn’t, I don’t know much about how independent young grippli are. Regardless, I sat down next to her and attempted to keep her company. I must have done something right, because eventually she stopped crying and we started playing little hand games. Eventually, maybe an hour or two later, an adult came along. Perhaps one of her parents, perhaps not, I couldn’t understand what they were saying. Anyway, they went off together and I picked up my pack and continued on my way. Visshenia (Barbed T) — 08/26/2021 The wheel of logic is plain on V's face as she teases out a possible answer, pausing only when Noctica's favored makes his guess. While technically correct (and would certainly be how any shopkeeper would logically proceed with this dilemma), the spirit of the riddle allowed only one choice. Still, understanding the emotional state of other beings was its own important riddle, one that shifted with the time and place, and a skill which V thought might be more important than tricks of language and logic. "If you pick first from the crate labeled as Apples and Oranges..." V speaks up, stepping in to take her guess once the Tiefling was finished with their story of aid. "...there cannot be both types of fruit in the crate, as each one was labeled incorrectly. If you reveal an apple, then you know the crate labelled as apple, must actually contain oranges, and thus the crate labeled oranges can only be the mixed crate." "This changes slightly if you reveal an orange upon your initial draw. Now, the crate marked oranges must contain apples, and the crate marked apples must contain the mix." She pauses then, mostly confident in her answer, but unsure if the riddle challenge should continue, or if the mentor would be satisfied now that each of the new students had answered in the grouping. GM (zachol): Mariama smiles at Ramiel's story. "Eh? Cute. I think Teacher Ulawa would say... well, no, she wouldn't have much to say about that, but a sappier teacher like Teacher Ot would say maybe 'even in the smallest gestures we forge the bonds of something something,' and be all solemn and genuine. I can't think of anything, so I'll just go with 'good job, keep it up.' As for you two, sounds right, and that's a real nice explanation, V." She looks up to see Teacher Ulawa approaching, and huffs and rolls her eyes. "Finally. Alright, time for the skills assessment test or whatever you'd call it." Ulawa sets down a basket, distinctly doesn't apologize for the wait or anything, opens it, and gently draws out a snake. It's fairly cute, and if you have much connection to the natural world (or are a Mwangi local) you'd know it as a 'shovel-snout.' It has somewhat unusual scale patterns, at least somewhat unusual to anyone familiar with the 'usual' for this kind of snake, and it might be somewhat old as well. Overall, it is indeed a very intriguing snake. Teacher Ulawa whispers to it softly, not really with any intelligible words, handling it exceptionally to calm it down, then looks to the rest of you. "Had a fun chat? Alright, the question is, 'can you get a secret from this snake?' And like I said before, Teacher Ot was very clear that the answer isn't to cut it open, there isn't a tiny scroll in its belly or anything like that." The snake is friendly and harmless, and as long as you handle it gently you can take it to examine. Melidiere (Berenzen): Melideire smiles exultantly at V. "Yeah, that's exactly right! Because the apples and oranges box is mislabeled, you always find out the answer of what's inside, and the rest is jusy process of elimination!" Then Teacher Ulawa comes back with the shovel-snout. And what intriguing patterns it had on it too. Melidiere gently picks the snake up while examining the scale patterns, trying to recall if this was something that could show up naturally. Nature to examine the snake: 19+6=25 (success) GM (zachol): Meliedre looks over the snake, and notices two things. First, the pattern is not entirely natural. This isn't unheard of, but it usually means something... magical, somehow, and somewhat strange, having to do with omens and the like. Second, and shockingly, she notices that there's a very small barb hidden between a few of its scales near its tail. Mistreating the snake might have led to a sting, even if it doesn't have a venomous bite. Someone else can determine the meaning of the scales with an Occult roll, although this is difficult (DC 17). Melidiere (Berenzen): "These markings aren't wholly natural. I think there might be something magical about it, be careful though. It might not have a venomous bite but that barb here," Melidiere points to to hidden barb, "would probably induce some pain. I notice Teacher Ulawa left that part out." Ramiel (CottonWolf): "Interesting. May I?" Ramiel put his arm out to where Melidiere has the snake and boops it on the nose. "What's your trick, eh?" He lets the snake wrap around his arm before bringing it up near his eyes. "I'll be honest, this isn't exactly my area of expertise, but I'll give deciphering this little cutie's scales a go, I guess." Occultism to decipher the snake: 14+1=15 (failure) Ramiel (CottonWolf): Ramiel shrugs. "Nope. This is beyond me." He kneels down and let's the snake slide back into the basket. "Perhaps V will be able to read your little mystery?" And with another little boop, he steps back. (Visshenia) Occultism to decipher the scales: 1+7=8 (crit failure) Visshenia (Barbed T): "Thank you for the opportunity," V bows her head to the dancer, taking a step toward the snake, "I have only guesses, no true knowledge of this creature's marking, but let me see what I can see." V approaches the snake without as much care as either of her fellow students. She reaches forward without any caution or understanding between her and the animal, and seems wholly surprised when it lashes out. GM (zachol): Visshenia approaches the snake, looking over the scale patterns. They're curious, certainly, and something is churning in the back of her mind. Definitely something familiar. More general? Something she'd have understood before, that she hasn't seen on a snake before but should be recognizing otherwise. As she traces her fingers over the scales, she hears a hissing, and looks up, and sees.  A great spirit, a snake made of shadows, looms above, connected to the tiny, mostly harmless snake, a 'shadow twin.' Rare, and usually nothing dangerous, she realizes in a moment the meaning of the patterns, the snake's connection to its shadow twin, and the immense power and potential the tiny snake holds. All this goes by in a flash, and then the shadow snake lunges, furious, as if to strike, and Visshenia flinches away, breaking the connection. As she jumps back, Mariama catches her, bracing and stabilizing her. "Whoah now! Okay, it's okay, everything's okay, grumpy snake was just a little grumpy. You're good now." Teacher Ulawa is frowning at the snake, calmly but forcefully speaking to it in some strange language (Aklo? if you can understand it, she's simply saying it was a very bad snake and that was very rude), and the snake is just peering back up at Ulawa and... being a snake. A cute snake. Well, maybe not so cute anymore. Nobody else actually saw the second, spiritual shadow snake, and as Visshenia calms down she realizes nothing really could've happened. Well, probably not. Still, it's more that the spirit was very good at intimidation, rather than it was anything tremendously dangerous by itself. Possibly if it had bit her there could've been some minor spiritual poison, and perhaps she could have developed a fear of snakes, or more than the normal fear of snakes, although even that wouldn't have been debilitating or permanent. Ramiel somewhat cynically notices this would be a great time to wheedle out a "secret" from Ulawa or Mariama while they're a little off balance, DC 13 Deception. Ramiel (CottonWolf): Seeing that V will be fine, more out of curiosity and disquiet than any desire to win the "game" at this point, Ramiel turns to Ulawa and says, "It's pretty clear that this is no normal snake at this point. I don't know what V saw, but normal snakes don't do that, and I don't know what language you were speaking, but normal snakes definitely don't speak. What's going on here? Is it possessed?" He looks accusatorially at Teacher Ulawa. "You didn't summon something into this snake did you?" Deception to accuse Ulawa to get her to open up about what's going on: 16+6=22 (success) GM (zachol): "What? No. If you had any ability you'd notice that the scale pattern tells us that the snake was born linked with a shadow twin. A spirit I didnt expect to be waiting, or so hostile, and I've been talking to it, the spirit. It's also very different from a possession, again something you'd do well to learn about." There's a pause, while Mariama frowns. "You know, you could've let V explain all that. Let her get at least a little something out of the experience." "What?" "Also that probably counts. Taku-- Teacher Ot said to encourage clever ideas and cooperation." "Sure! Whatever! He wins too. Everyone wins, he wins she wins, it's not like it matters, they've already been accepted, it's not like there's anything to win. Also why didn't you warn me the twin was right there?" "I assumed you'd know." "I knew it was around, not literally coiled over my shoulder waiting to strike! Ugh, you take care of this." Teacher Ulawa shoves the snake into Mariama's hands, then starts stalking away. "Wait!" She turns back. "What?" "The beads?" Teacher Ulawa huffs, digs in the folds of her robes, then tosses Mariama a small pouch, with a casual underhand. She manages to catch it, juggling the snake alongside. There's silence, as Teacher Ulawa goes off, and Mariama looks at the rest of the group. "Uh... well, I'm not going to apologize for her, but don't take it personally. Especially you, Ram. I think she's upset that she let a student almost get hurt." She shrugs, and starts working her shoulder, getting the snake more secure. "I mean, maybe. Or she just got hungry. Anyway, V, you doing alright? I'll get this snake out of the way in a sec..." She starts trying to get it back in the basket, although it's pretty awkward and the wriggly snake is not really interested. Ramiel (CottonWolf): "Ah, it was partially my fault. I did sort of accuse her of doing something that nearly got someone hurt. I can see how that would get her back up..." Visshenia (Barbed T): As Visshenia composes herself, her "spikes" - which had flared up not unlike a cat's fur when threatened - ease back into place. Well, almost. They would need to be styled into their former, apparently deliberate, alignment. When she talks again, she admits: "Truth be spoken, it crossed my mind as well." She moves a step closer to Ram, "Should you intend to apologize out of caution, I would be thankful to join you in the endeavor." She looks back to assistant Ms. Keitana as she struggles with the snake. "I suppose I do have a riddle now: 'Who holds a twin, but claims no siblings. Who displays a pattern, but hides their point? Who teaches even those who fear it? Who's eggs," She looks pointedly to the pouch still clutched by the assistant Ms. "...grant almost limitless wisdom to those who can keep them?'" V lifts her left hand, revealing a small holy symbol of Nethys tucked into her palm. It's attached to a red cotton strap, making it almost like a bracelet for the hand. She casts Guidance on assistant Ms. Keitana to give her a bonus to snake-wrangling if she wishes. Melidiere (Berenzen): "I'm sorry," Melidiere looked between Mariama and V, a worried expression on her face, "I didn't mean to put you in danger. I just wanted to give everyone a chance to participate. Back home, people got annoyed or angry if I did everything. They said I was showing them up." GM (zachol): "Ah, thanks V." Mariama smiles, gently and persistently dragging the snake into the basket. "Mels, you did fine. It's an animal, sometimes it acts out. Animals aren't like little clockwork machines, even if you do everything right they can still surprise you. I knew the twin was there, and I didn't say anything, because it usually wouldn't have done that. I didn't do anything wrong either, it was a small risk, and you can't completely protect against every single risk all of the time." She looks up, pausing, and raises her eyebrows. "Also, I'm not going to lie and say this school is perfect. People still get jealous. Eventually, if you're always stepping up to volunteer for every question, the teachers will tell you to back off, in their enlightened bullshit 'you have a beautiful heart, but you need to give your peers a chance to shine as well' sort of way. And then sometimes you see someone like Esi Djana who is perfect all the time and answers every question and volunteers for every duty, and nobody seems to mind. It's bullshit, it's not fair, but it still happens. That said, I think you'll do fine, at least a lot better than back then. Everyone here is hot poo poo. They might get a little annoyed if you monopolize the teachers' time, especially if you're asking questions constantly just to show you can come up with good ones, but there isn't going to be anything like 'I'm such a waste of space that I have to drag anyone clever down with me' that you get with, ah, the normal people." Ramiel (CottonWolf): “I think I’m going to hold off on apologising, V. At least until she’s calmed down a bit. Maybe next time I see her.” OOC: Yeah I gotta do these more often, break them up. Yeesh.
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Aug 30, 2021 08:24
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GROUP A Teacher Ot steps forward, smiling at Esi and Beck sharing a moment over weird math-heavy riddles. "That will, of course, have to wait. I feel we understand each other at least a little better, and it is time to move on to the next stage. Please stand back." He reaches into a pouch, pulling out a small pinch of silvery metal shavings. He whips his hand up, snapping his fingers at the peak, and the shavings zip up into the air, leaving a red trail before exploding into a red starburst. The little rumbling boom is hard to make out, overwhelmed by the continued rainstorm, but the red flash is distinctive, very unlike the earlier lightning flashes, and the spell's left a red trail leading down to Teacher Ot and your group. A few moments later, there's a blue and purple streak and explosion on the other side of the plaza. Gradually, some of the other groups start to congregate, on either trailing spot, and Teacher Ot folds his arms and waits. Esi, meanwhile, moves to fold up the table, and retrieve a bag that's been off to the side, under its own little sorcerous umbrella and on a platform. GROUP B As Haibram is hemming and hawing over the riddle of the thing running forever, there's a red streak of fireworks and a muted explosion, leaving a trailing flare down to a nearby spot. "Ho! Looks like that riddle's gonna wait. Lucky me, I was feelin' a mite dim." Teacher Ayuwari steps forward, as on the other side of the plaza a sort of blueish purple firework goes up. He watches them both, and nods. "Very good. We're red, so we'll be in Ot's cohort. Please show him the respect we spoke of, before." He herds the group toward's Teacher Ot's spot. Haibram trails behind, back to digging in his apparently interminable pouches. GROUP C Mariama grimaces. "Yeah, that would probably be a good idea, but to perfectly honest if you did apologize she'd probably just stare and ask who you were. Ulaw-- Teacher Ulawa does have... failings, but at least she doesn't hold grudges." She laughs, rolling her eyes, and starts securing the basket down tightly. "She'll get in a screaming match over nothing, curse your descendants a thousand generations, and the next morning smile at you cheerfully and comment on how good the pilaf is. I'm not saying you shouldn't apologize, just don't take it personally however she responds." Nearby, a red streak goes up into the air, fireworks, exploding into a red starburst. Mariama glances up, sighs, and finishes up, standing. "Mmm, that's the sign to get this over with. Alright, since apparently I've been promoted to teacher, follow me." She heads off, basket tucked under an arm, the other hand tossing the little pouch (of beads?) up and down. FULL COHORT Teacher Ayuwari's group arrives fairly quickly, followed by Teacher... Kei... tana's...? What? Teacher Ot stares blankly at Mariama Keitana (a student), who just stares back, also blankly, a gently hissing wicker basket under one arm and a small pouch in the other hand, casually but conspicuously held up. Esi Djana is considerably less blank, glaring at Mariama, with occasional glances to Teacher Ot, whispering (hissing?) under her breath. "Mari! What's... where's Teacher Ulawa" "She's checked out. I'm the teacher now. Got the beads and everything." Teacher Ot clears his throat, then addresses the groups. "Hello, everyone! Some of you may know me, or have heard of me, but I am Teacher Ot. These are Teacher Ayuwari, and... Ms. Keitana, and each of us have been introducing those in our little groups to each other. However, there is one final question, one that is best done as a larger cohort. After this last question, we will break for the day. Esi Djana here has graciously volunteered to show you to the dorm where you will be staying at, and, if anyone is interested, to further show you around campus. Particularly, I know that at least some of you will be interested in the dining hall, and we also have a small supply store... we'll have to get your stipends worked out..." He trails off, looking at Esi, who's still glaring at Mariama, who's just holding the same pose and blank face. After a few moments of silence, Esi glances back, looks embarassed for a moment, then nods at Teacher Ot. He gathers himself, and pulls out a stack of copper tablets, each etched with a design that's very difficult to make out, the thin copper tablets glimmering with each movement. He starts sliding them against each other, gently, as he speaks. "This is a fairly old part of the interview. Traditionally, the interviewer doesn't give context. Sometimes you are posed a question, a problem, a choice, whose consequences remain unclear. And, with this question, this choice, the consequences are fairly short, as the magic rarely lingers for more than a month or two. However, I do not like performing tricks on my students. I think you all have lived your lives, and you understand that sometimes the consequences of your actions will be obscured. Instead, I would like to demonstrate that I will always tell you the truth, the full truth. I will not claim you can trust me, in all matters and at all times, but hopefully you will be able to trust that I will not deceive you. I will not stage some kind of crisis, and I will not force you into a blind choice." With an odd crackle and scrape, the copper tablets suddenly tarnish into a dull patina, and green symbols float out from them, arranging themselves into a wide circle around Teacher Ot. "The question is, 'of these symbols, which would you choose?' In a sense it's a question of ideas, abstractions. Which symbols speaks to you, which draws you. However, somewhat more trivially, but also more immediate, choosing a symbol will let it seep into your being, and for time allow you to cast a minor bit of magic." He goes on to highlight each symbol, and mention the spell it will grant. Flickering Candle: The hero gains dancing lights as a primal innate spell. Balanced Scales: The hero gains guidance as a primal innate spell. Multipronged Key: The hero gains mage hand as an arcane innate spell. Pursed Lips: The hero gains message as an arcane innate spell. Open Hand with an Eye in the Palm: The hero gains shield as an arcane innate spell. Running Hourglass: The hero gains stabilize as a primal innate spell. These will stick around until 2nd level, when you gain your multiclass archetype. Alternatively, you can choose not to pick a symbol, and gain a +1 status bonus to saving throws against spells until you reach 2nd level. OOC: Please reply in this thread. Also, feel free to start small conversations and start to interact with those from other groups. This will continue during the tour, and I'd like to have enough interaction to suggest new rearrangements of groups to go with rather than sticking with the current A, B and C.
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Aug 30, 2021 08:26
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Visshenia, Nethys-Touched Shisk Cleric & Cultist V doesn't waste any time, immediately drawn to the green symbol of the Balanced Scales. She strides forward, reaching out as if to touch the symbol, but does wait for some kind of affirmation from teacher Ot before just barging in completely. "I would take the Scales." That she had used Guidance already today, and regarding a creature with scales itself, were omens she interpreted favorably.
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Aug 30, 2021 18:10
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Ramiel Tiefling Battledancer Swashbuckler Following close behind V, Ramiel says, "I have my hands full when I'm fighting, so being able to say a couple of words to call up a shield definitely sounds useful. Eye in the Palm for me please."
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Aug 30, 2021 20:48
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Valfane Kayal Bard Valfane brushes a lock of damp blue hair back from his forehead and out of his eyes, watching Teacher Ot curiously. Other teachers would have staged a crisis over this? Is it so important, then? Ah well, even if it's some kind of mystically significant test, he'll just have to go with his instincts. "The key for me, thank you kindly," he says, following on the heels of the shirtless warrior. Opening new doors, unlocking the future... eh, he'll come up with a more elegant metaphor later.
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Aug 30, 2021 22:01
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Scarlet Hood Overall, Scarlet has to admit that this place is everything Takulu had said it would be. Interesting people, interesting sights, a lot of riddles... well, heck, she's not about to say no to another one! Listening attentively to the explanation, she mulls the choice for a bit, then meanders on over to the floating lips. Riddles were fun, after all, and the best way to share them was by talking! Scarlet says, "I'll pick the lips!"
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Aug 31, 2021 02:18
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Draahzin Dragonscaled Kobold Summoner Draazhin stares at the symbols in thought as Teacher Ot goes over what they do. He steps forward, raising a hand and producing a shimmer in the air of defensive magic. "Eye in hand can be useful. But already have magic shield." He circles Teacher Ot and the floating symbols before eventually stopping before the Running Hourglass symbol. "This one. No need for another magical shield, but if someone is dying this is useful." code:
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Aug 31, 2021 08:01
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Orvald Nylund Orvald takes inventory of what is presented in front of them. There's a bit of a pause over each item, trying to get a read on it, where these items came from, the stories behind them, and moreover, what direction they seem to want to go. At a certain point, however, one sticks out: the key. They came to this land to pursue alternate avenues and learn things they wouldn't be able to otherwise. What better way to do that than the means to open more doors? "The key is what calls out to me."
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Aug 31, 2021 22:23
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Bhekimp'lo, Mbe'ke Dwarf Barbarian (Beck for short) Seeing the tablets, Beck briefly wonders to himself what might prove the most helpful. The old Bhekimp'lo would have certainly chosen the All-Seeing Eye, to keep him safe on his travels... but the Beck of the Magaambya has committed himself to a more balanced life, and he does feel safer here already. "I choose the Balanced Scales. I seek to find my balance here, and the symbol seems apt."
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Aug 31, 2021 23:40
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Group C - Melidiere, Elven Wizard Seeing the others move forward, Melidiere follows suit, feet guiding her towards the tablet with the scales on it. "Past and future, creativity and applicability, night and day. The world is ever in balance, or will right itself in some way. I choose the Scales, as they best represent me and the ideals that I choose to follow. I will let them guide me into a better future" As she places her hand on the tablet, she feels the magic flow from the stone into her, and then settle in, waiting to be called upon, promising secrets and power to be unlocked. pre:Prepared spells: Cantrips Prestidigitation Electric Arc Daze Light Mage Hand Level 1 Befuddle Command Staff Nexus (0 Charges) Telekinetic projectile (Cantrip level 1) Befuddle (Level 1) Magaambyan Symbol: Balanced Scales Guidance
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Sep 1, 2021 04:55
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Group B - Kakka Tengu Witch (ooc: There was a bit of Discord conversation with Ramiel prior to Kakka's choice, included at the end of this post) Kakka steps towards the table with the Hourglass. "Time is a precious resource for all, and I hope to make the most of mine. I shall choose the Hourglass. I thank you Teacher Ot for this gift." Kakka then gives a small bow. He lays a talon on the table, the table emit a green-yellow glow that wraps around his talon and courses up his arm, and learns Stabilize. "Whoa!" He then steps back, awaiting to see if there's more excitement in store for today. He takes a glance over at Ramiel, and gives a thumbs up. "Thanks!" code:quote:Kakka (bobthenameless) bobthenameless fucked around with this message at 23:30 on Sep 1, 2021 |
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Sep 1, 2021 23:24
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Ramiel Tiefling Battledancer Swashbuckler Ramiel speaks up, "Teacher Ot, what did you pick, back in the day?" CottonWolf fucked around with this message at 11:25 on Sep 4, 2021 |
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Sep 2, 2021 11:57
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Teacher Ot smiles. "At the time, I was drawn to the candle. I am not sure why. In some ways, the image of a flickering candle does speak to me. Fragility and perseverance... of a flame nearly extinguishing, again and again, yet always coming back to life. On the other hand, I do not like the spell linked to it. I was already familiar with dancing lights, but rarely chose to prepare it. It is limited, tiring, easy to replace, easy to avoid. Overall, I was extremely disappointed. "It did teach me some lessons, about having an abundance of something you find distasteful, about having a tool that encourages use, in about having a limitation and working around it. Imagine holding a hammer, and then your hand is wrapped tight in bandages and twine. You begin to to think of ways to use the hammer. People would say that 'everything begins to look like a nail,' and there is a crude way that is true, how it can encourage you to use the hammer inappropriately, but there is another way that the limitation can encourage you to think about what a hammer is, and what kinds of... lateral choices you can make, in using it." There's a long pause, as you digest that. "All that said, dancing lights is... well, I won't say it's a 'bad spell,' but it is not a terribly exceptional spell to prepare, always and every day. I learned some things. I could have learned them other ways, though, and also had a better spell. Some might say that all lessons are worth learning, otherwise they wouldn't be lessons. However, not all lesson plans are worth teaching." There is another long pause, as Teacher Ot's deep and profound wisdom has time to seep in. Or, perhaps, as you struggle to deal with Teacher Ot mentioning an obscure aspect of 'teaching theory' at the end of a long-winded answer to a simple question. Then, Teacher Ayuwari steps forward, grabbing the attention of those that had been in his group. "This has been wondrous, and thank you for that insight, Teacher Ot, but I have other responsibilities. Before I go, I will now finalize your entrance into the school. As I mentioned before, one of our traditions is the wearing of a string of beads, signifying our membership, linking us to the Magaambya. The first bead on this string is to be one given by the teacher who admitted you here. For now, a lone bead on a string may be a little amusing, but more will come soon enough. Importantly, though, I should remind you... all of you..." he pauses, catching the attention of the rest of the cohort, "that it is your responsibility to wear these beads prominently, marking you as students and members of the Magaambya, both on and off of campus. Of course, there are some exceptions, such as if you're sleeping or bathing, but if you are, for example, found off campus, properly dressed and engaged in some business, and not wearing your beads then, there will be trouble. There are also times and places across campus itself where not wearing your beads will cause a hassle... and you should also take care not to let them be stolen, and misused. Understood? Good." He focuses his attention back to the four from his group. "I am sorry to distract from what should be an solemn moment with such talk. I know at this moment you may still be... unimpressed, perhaps growing hungry with the mention of the dining hall, but I hope that in the future we will grow to be good friends, and that you will look on this moment fondly." Smiling gently, imparting at least some degree of gravitas, he presents each of the four of you a small leather cord, and a deep blue glass bead, the same shade as his clothes and many of his own beads, his 'personal color' apparently. After giving one final nod, he turns and heads off at a fair yet unhurried clip, the sort of walk that surprises you with how fast it actually is. Teacher Ot watches him go, and begins to shuffle the copper tablets back together, the magic of the symbols slowly dissipating as he sets them down. OOC: Me'abi and Lamor, you can select a symbol and add it as a flashback to a post during the tour, or choose not to select a symbol and gain the save bonus instead. He addresses his own group, pulling out his own set of beads, also glass, with a lighter blue and gold swirling pattern. "As Teacher Ayuwari mentioned, it is your responsibility to wear your string of beads. They identify you as students, and, as you perform certain deeds and reach various ranks, you will be given beads to symbolize those accomplishments, to let others know how far you have come. For now, as said, this bead symbolizes that I have brought you into the Magaambya, and, the same as Ayuwari, I hope that one day you will be able to hold this same bead, and look back on this moment with fondness, and pride." He presents his own beads, letting the moment breathe, and then everyone slowly turns to face Mariama Keitana, who is still standing with an impassive face, basket under an arm. She sets the basket down, ignoring the hiss, puffs up her chest, and marches forwards to face her group, the three that had properly been with Teacher Ulawa. Esi groans, and Teacher Ot just sort of sighs, going back to arranging the copper tablets in a bag and tidying up the circle. Mariama ignores them, smiling broadly (and slightly vapidly), and as she speaks in a weirdly stuffy and formal tone of voice, she waves her arms around in grand gestures, drawing a few beads from the bag that Ulawa had tossed at her. "Just like my colleagues, Teacher Ayuwari and Teacher Ot, have explained, these beads are of vital significance. As Teacher Keitana, it is my honor and privilege to gift upon you three these beads, which represent the deep and heartfelt connection between you, my students, and I, Teacher Keitana, as the one who has welcomed you into our wondrous Magaambya. This connection is a sacred one, never to be taken lightly. As I give each of you one of my own, personal beads, I, Teacher Keitana, induct you into our Magaambya." Haibram is stifling his laughter, while Esi just looks disgusted, heading off to retrieve yet another something-or-other. Mariama Keitana ceremoniously hands out a glass bead to each of the three from her group, the beads a deep red with two very thin black stripes perpendicular to the hole, dividing it into three segments. They're definitely Teacher Ulawa's, but Teacher Ot isn't doing anything besides just looking on, slightly disappointed. Presumably the disappointment is for Ulawa. He claps once, and Mariama backs off, glancing towards Haibram and now smiling more mirthfully. Teacher Ot seems to have dismissed the 'problem,' addressing you all. "So, we are finished. You may go wherever if you wish, as you are now all students with free reign over the campus. However, as said, Esi will be happy to give you a brief tour, and you should likely select a room in your dormitory and drop off any baggage you have. Like Teacher Ayuwari, I have other responsibilities. "However, I will ask that tomorrow you all join together, just outside your dormitory, as I will have a few tasks for you to complete. An essential aspect of the Magaambya is service to others, whether that means taking down some fearsome beast terrorizing a village, or finding a few lost chickens. For now, you will be focusing on the simpler tasks. In time, you will also move on to academic concerns, but the importance of service, of aiding others, underpins the entirety of the Magaambya, and is in fact the first lesson in and of itself." He claps again, and smiles. "So! We shall meet again in the morning, and I hope you enjoy the rest of your day. Farewell!" With one last wave, he turns and heads north, towards one of the buildings next to the plaza. As he goes, Esi shows back up, a large, open-mouthed pack on her back with several poles sticking out of it. Haibram moves to meet her, and they have a small conversation. "Ayo, Esi. I gotta go for a bit, I'll meet up with the crew later, yeah? I think I lost something... gonna check around a couple places." "Sure thing, Haibram." "Nice. Ey, it's been nice ta meet y'all. Later!" And he's off, sort of north-east and... eventually into the woods. Huh. Scarlet Hood knows that's basically the same Leshy Forest she's from. Is he going to meet the leshys? Mariama stretches, waves at everyone with a smile, particularly her group, and heads off a different way without acknowledging Esi, who doesn't seem to care anyway. Esi approaches, shifting the pack off and onto the ground, and you see that inside the poles are actually smallish parasols, the folding ones made out of wood and paper, each large enough for one person. They're in a variety of colors and patterns, some geometric, some based off of flowers or other greenery. "So, I'm going to show you guys around. Or at least get you to the dorm. These here have a kind of alchemically treated paper, so they'll hold up to the rain pretty well. Also please don't break them, they take a little while to make. Anyway, normally we could cut through the undergrowth southeast, head straight for the dorm, but that would get us all pretty well soaked, so we'll be taking the long way around." OOC: Brief break, for any reactions to the beads, or perhaps questions for Esi right away? There are a couple of points above that are natural break points, so feel free to insert something like an immediate reaction to being presented a bead, or something a teacher said.
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Sep 2, 2021 12:49
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Ramiel Tiefling Battledancer Swashbuckler As Ramiel gets his beads from Mariama, he gives her an amused grin, "Congratulations on your promotion, Teacher Keitana." He attaches then like a sash across his chest. Nods towards Mariama, then more formally to Teacher Ot, and heads towards Esi for the tour. CottonWolf fucked around with this message at 11:25 on Sep 4, 2021 |
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Sep 3, 2021 22:12
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Draahzin Dragonscaled Kobold Summoner Draazhin carefully takes the bead from Ayuwari, turning it this way and that as he inspects it. He then takes it and carefully entwines it into a necklace around his neck. Then he carefully picks out an umbrella for the tour. Specifically looking for anything that has a draconic impression, or lacking that something in black with an interesting geometric design. code:
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Sep 5, 2021 05:20
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Bhekimp'lo, Mbe'ke Dwarf Barbarian (Beck for short) Beck accepts the beads, with even more solemnity than his usual demeanor, and affixes them tightly to the sheath of his clan dagger, not wishing them to dangle in a way that might have them snag at an inopportune time. Blending his Mbe'ke heritage with the new life he is beginning with the Magaambya, this seems like an apt place of honor for the icon. Taking an umbrella, but not unfurling it, Beck looks up, allowing the rain to fall on his face unhindered. He's always felt a special connection to rain, the water mixing with the sky, and rarely chooses to cover himself from it. Still, it may be necessary later in the tour, so he does as asked. "Esi," he asks, "are the canals of the city safe to swim in? Are there stairs or docks down to the water's edge? Feeling the water on my back is a familiar comfort of home."
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Sep 5, 2021 19:04
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Group B - Kakka Tengu Witch Kakka takes his bead from Teacher Ayuwari. He begins to dig around his belt and some of the pouches on there, and finds a good belt loop towards the front to attach the bead. "Thank you Teacher Ayuwari! I will remember to reflect on your words earlier." Kakka gives a small bow, and looks up eyes wide and with a beak cracked in Tengu-smile and adds hurriedly: "Also...thatlightningwasso amazing!! IhopetolearnitonedayitwouldbesoveryneattoPOWandBLAMlikethat!". He takes a deep breath, pauses, then: "...Um, thanks again for the orientation." He then shuffles towards the umbrellas and takes one without much consideration. "Esi, are there alchemical labs in the dorm or elsewhere on school grounds? Also, is there a map for the school? What even is there here? I know it's a school...and prestigious! But..I don't know that much more about it than that and a few sailor stories. It's a lot larger than schools back home...Is there a map or something?"
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Sep 6, 2021 05:55
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Draahzin finds a fetching black parasol with an image of a sovereign imperial dragon, the sort of snakey type. It's very nice indeed. Ramiel gets a cheeky grin and nod from Mariama at the shared joke. When Beck mentions swimming, Esi frowns, thinking it over. "Ah, not a lot of landbound go swimming, a little cold for us, although you definitely can. But you need to watch out, they've got skiffs, wherries, sometimes even someone zooming along in a racing flat. In Nantambu they banned carts or carriages on the roads, but in turn the canals get used pretty heavily for freight. If you got hit, it's sort of a 'both parties at fault' situation, especially if you're new. I'd get used to the rhythm of life around here, especially when the canals get busier, or get really good at noticing the boats. I've known some mer and iruxi that enjoy swimming regularly, so it's definitely possible. "Oh, and during the rainy season, the storms get terrible, people don't go out much and the rivers and canals swell and get treacherous, so if you're a natural swimmer you can use them freely then. That'll be in maybe three to four months or so." She shrugs. "There are definitely going to be some ladders and climb points. People fall in on occasion. They might be a little steep, though. I'd ask around, see what the iruxi have to say. I know I've seen a few of them swimming regularly for travel, so they've gotten something practical worked out." ~~~ After everyone else who wants one has taken a parasol, she draws her own and hefts the pack, heading northeast the way out of the plaza and onto the main circular path around the whole of the Magaambya. She pauses at that intersection, setting the pack down and gesturing east (or 'clockwise') and then west. "So, to the right, near the east bridge, is the student store, also known as the Powderpile. The one in charge is Xhokan, the store manager. I'll show you later, and we can also get your first stipend worked out."  Attention: North is to the left. Note the compass. As Kakka asks about a map, she nods. "We don't have any mass printed maps. Sometimes someone will draft a nice version, especially for guests, and I could sketch out a couple to help you all out, but usually by the first week or two most of us get our bearings pretty well. "Also, most of us keep our alchemy equipment in our own rooms. There are workshops for bigger projects, especially if you're getting into summoning or large batch brewing, but there have been problems in the past with sharing equipment and arguments over what's a 'consumable' and people not really taking care of things, so for alchemy at least it's just better to handle your own personal stuff. "Most teachers watch over on their own classrooms and work areas. Once you get to the higher ranks, beyond even attendant, there are shared specialized labs, and then a lot of these buildings are pretty much just personal quarters. Conversants and Lorespeakers aren't really 'students' anymore, but they still do research, and they have living spaces. It's pretty much a mix. Most of the action, especially in terms of teachers and students, all the stuff you'll be doing for the first couple years, happens in the inner ring, like at the Indigo Hall or the Verdant House." She starts to move, then abruptly stops, and looks back. "Ah, I guess one thing. Permanent necromancy needs to be done in a necromancy lab. Uh, practicing transient necromancy is fine outside of that, in your rooms, whatever, but actually creating anything needs to be done in a non-residential space." After a long pause and a sense of 'what the gently caress,' she coughs, spins, and heads down to the left, leaving the pack behind. "Anyway! So, uh, west, we've got the, well, the west bridge, even if it's sort of west-north-west, and if you came that way earlier you'd probably have noticed the little island directly west of the main, that's called the Speaker's Stage. We sometimes hold plays, recitals, concerts, stuff like that. Also plenty of stories, obviously."  The path counterclockwise splits and narrows, and Esi takes you past a series of quiet, apparently unremarkable buildings, then around a corner and southeast, up the larger main path from the west bridge. "This is called Welcome Walk. I think there used to be a regular Starday market, but now there are just a few public market days each year. Students set up tables, carpets, tents, and either demonstrate a service or set out wares, and people from the city and further come to shop. Also pretty directly that way, south-west, is the council building. I'll show you the way sometime soon, it gets used for admin stuff and sometimes a request trickles down as a service assignment and they want you to go there." She continues on, mentioning a few places off-handedly. "Over there's the Archhorn Library, it's the main 'public' or semi-public library. Residents of Nantambu can get arrange for a pass, and so can some guests, although they need to go through a minor vetting process. You'll sometimes run into someone who's, uh, actually pretty important, regardless of how they look, so try to be polite, and especially as new initiates don't confront someone even if you think they don't belong. I sorta caused an incident last year when I was still new. "There's the bridge to the Speaker's Stage, and right over here is the Dining Hall. Sun Dorm over there has a lot of the students from one and two years ahead of me and our group. Finally, over here on the right is our dorm, the Spire Dorm."  It's a fairly nice building, two stories, a warm golden brown stucco. You're perhaps struck by the expense poured into a dorm for initiates: besides the well cared for stucco and fine tiles, glass windows are dotted across the wall, a mix of practical crystal and stained accents. There are four tall pointed stone spires, two at each of the northern and southern entrances, odd starburst things that are a little baffling. Either they're made of one piece or you can't see the seams, and their tips are very pointed indeed. "That's the grav spire," numbered A1 on the map, "Haibram can demonstrate it for you, and then... well, there's Chizire." Lounging on the steps is a catfolk, golden tan with spots, wearing red robes more appropriate for the desert. He's underneath a simple tent that's been propped up, more just a greyish tarp, and on his chest is a napkin with a mango all sliced up on top. There are also a few bottles scattered around, presumably wine (or something stronger?), and a couple of pillows and rolled up carpets, all told giving a delightful air of leisurely enjoyment. He's been munching on slices of mango, but tilts his head up to give you a look, ears perked and curious.  Chizire "Aya, the newblies? Haibram said you'd be coming over. Welcome, welcome! I am, indeed, Chizire. Care for some mango? Or..." He holds up a bottle. "Some date wine? Sun-brewed, very tasty." Esi frowns at that. "Chizire, could you please hold off on roping the new students into your hobby? At least for a week?" He laughs. "Esi, honey, drinking isn't a hobby, it's a lifestyle!" "Yeah whatever, you know what I mean. Just please don't distract them too much? They've still got orientation week, maybe wait until they're at least settled." "Fine, fine. Offer's open to anyone who's parched, but I won't press." Esi huffs, turns away, and ushers the group up the stairs and inside. "If he tries to get you in his room, don't. I mean... I mean, no, it's not like that, he's just got this ridiculous still set up in there and always wants people to try out his newest experiment. Always talking about hearts and heads and tails and 'oh try this one,' half the time it's only good as paint thinner. I love trying out most new things in life but he's literally sleeping in the same room as a giant copper bomb, no idea how anyone can stand it." She stops, having led you into the main hallway, and looks a little confused for a moment, as if just realizing what she's actually been doing. "Right. Anyway, on the east side we've got six rooms on the first floor that are open," those labeled A14, "and some more upstairs. Most of our rooms are on the west side, like mine's at the end of the cross hall on the right, the double doors," A6. "We've also got baths on each side," A3 and A15, "along with some washrooms," at A4. "Otherwise..." The double doors in view, A11, open up, and a very stylish Sargavan pokes his head out with a wide smile.  Ignaci Canterells "Well hello there! Esi, good to see you, and who are all these fine fellows?" "Hey Ignaci. They're the new initiates. Everyone, this is Ignaci." "Ignaci Canterells, at your service. Do feel free to call me Ignaci. If it pleases you, I have a variety of alchemical creations in stock, for a reasonable fee." Ignaci skirts the line between charming and smarmy. Sort of like a merchant, although maybe that impression's just from him immediately mentioning his little side hustle. As he steps out, you see that he is, indeed, very well dressed, almost suspiciously so for an alchemist, no stains or burns or the like, a fine purple suit and coat. "You're showing them around, then. Have they had lunch?" "No, not yet. I was going to have them pick out rooms and unload any luggage, then... well I was thinking the Powderpile next, but you're right, it's been a while." "Well, we can't have them starving. Quite a big group, too, any way I can help out?" "I mean, that'd be great, just..." Esi trails off, then looks to the rest of the cohort, unsure what everyone's priorities are. OOC: Splitting into groups again! These are different groups from before. Group L will be heading to the dining hall with Ignaci. There you'll get lunch, and meet the head cook Lumusi Yao. Group P will be heading to the student store with Esi. The manager Xhokan will arrange your stipend then. Group S will be sticking around to explore the dorm, possibly interacting with Chizire or the one other student who is secretly lurking around! You can pick any group. It's fine if one is significantly bigger than another, and it's fine if nobody sticks around in the dorm. It would be nice to have at least a couple at each of the dining hall and store. There are going to be scenes there introducing some things, and the other characters will also go to those places offscreen. Feel free to make one last post here, such as with a response to the tour or to Chizire or Ignaci's offers, but the breakout groups should then head to Discord. Edit: Holy cripes this needed a bunch of edits. Yeesh. zachol fucked around with this message at 11:14 on Sep 6, 2021 |
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Sep 6, 2021 06:48
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Scarlet Hood Scarlet dutifully dons her first bead, though it's clear she's more interested in getting it to sit just right than the warnings not to lose it or have it stolen or worse. In one ear and right out the other, as one might expect. The initial parts of the tour are met with attentive eyes and good cheer, particularly Chizire's offer, though she mishears the specifics. Her eyes go wide as she asks, "You drink honey as a lifestyle?" There's a moment, then she adds, "I mean, I guess I know a few who would too, but... Wow." I'll either go to the store or stay at the dorms. Nonstandard food situations don't really lend themselves to the mess hall!
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Sep 6, 2021 07:25
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Ramiel Tiefling Battledancer Swashbuckler As the group walks past Chizire, Ramiel gives him a furtive thumbs up and a nod of approval. You can't go wrong with experimental alcohol. As the others prepare to leave for the mess hall and shop, he peels off, leans against one of the dorm walls and says, "You go ahead, it's been a long day. I'll take advantage of that mango offer then head to bed for a bit."
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Sep 6, 2021 10:26
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Valfane Kayal Bard Valfane lags behind the group as they set off, trying to use his new mage hand to carry his umbrella with distinctly mixed results, but when the tour passes Speaker's Stage he starts paying more attention. "Sorry Esi - who arranges the concerts, is that another club like your, uh, riddlemasters?" - The bard looks tempted by Chizire's mango and homebrewed wine. "Looks great, I'd definitely take you up on that later if the offer's still open," he says hopefully. As the tour continues into the dormitory, he wonders just how lucky he must have been to land here. Famous teachers, classmates who don't look askance at him, comfortable accommodation - and on top of that, the school's going to pay them, rather than charging a fee? Where's the catch? "I'd be interested in seeing the Powderpile and how the stipend works. Are there strings attached? Do we owe it back to the academy later?" He figures that would be the Consortium's angle if this were one of their projects.
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Sep 6, 2021 20:05
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Group L Bhekimp'lo, Mbe'ke Dwarf Barbarian (Beck for short) zachol posted:When Beck mentions swimming, Esi frowns, thinking it over. ~~~ Though Beck has enjoyed Teacher Ot's and Esi's company, on a day of new beginnings, it seems best to find friends and allies in more than one group. In his travels, he's found that you can learn a lot about new places by tasting their foods, so he greets the foppish Ignaci with a stout forearm-handshake and introduces himself. "I am Beck, pleased to make your acquaintance. If you're going to the mess, I'd be happy to join you; what dishes are favored by the locals?" Infinite Karma fucked around with this message at 04:49 on Sep 8, 2021 |
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Sep 6, 2021 20:23
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During Esi's tour, she'd considered Valfane's question. "Well, I mean, anyone can have a concert or reading or other performance whenever they want. Although I guess if something's already planned they don't want schedule conflicts. There are a lot of different groups, some small ensembles and clubs focused on particular traditions, and then also the Uzunjati. It's more that you'd want to join a group for, like, scheduling a few of you together at once and promoting it." She frowned, apologetically. "I don't know exactly? I don't really do music much, and it's kind of a different crowd. I can definitely track down someone, get you hooked up in a bit, although it might take a couple connections to nail down a group that fits you the best." ~~~ Chizire laughs briefly at Scarlet's reply. "Eheh, nice one. Ah, but if any of ya want it, I do have some honey water already stirred up. Oh, and for all y'all, we've got an, uh... an arrangement with the Beekeeper, I can get you honey at cost. Lots of us keep a jar in our rooms." Esi scoffs and rolls her eyes, leading the group into the dorm. "Feh, 'an arrangement.'" "Hey now, he's the one who made the offer, and he's the one who's sticking with it, and I ain't heard even a little bit of grumblin' from him. I don't question others' sense of honor, as long as they don't question mine." "You don't have a sense of honor!" "Exactly. I wish that people could respect that." "Agh!" ~~~ Groups are settled, and disperse. OOC: As it stands, Beck will be accompanying Ignaci to the dining hall as Group L, Scarlet and Valfane will be heading to the store with Esi as Group P, and Ramiel will be taking a nap and possibly catching up with Chizire as group S. I'm posting hooks in the Discord channels, and people should drop in as they're interested to one of those groups.
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Sep 8, 2021 04:38
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Draahzin Dragonscaled Kobold Summoner Draazhin takes in the sights as Esi gives the tour, though at least half his attention is on the umbrella he picked out, watching the rain dance against the dragon and twirling it just so so that the dragon is in flight through the rain, splashing some about in the process. He is polite, if distracted, in greeting the other students they come across. He nearly takes up Ignaci's offer. "Food sounds good... but" However the talk of Chizire's hobby or lifestyle, specifically about hard liquor that can be used as paint thinner and a copper bomb in his room pique Draazhin's interest. "I think I will explore the dorms for a bit before making my way to the dining hall, and the Powderpile? perhaps after that." Ryuujin fucked around with this message at 06:45 on Sep 8, 2021 |
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Sep 8, 2021 06:07
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Orvald Nylund A number of things pass through the mind as the tour goes on. Firstly, just how free everyone was to, essentially, do whatever they wished so long as it didn't directly impact others. Had he gone to any other arcane or divine institution the kinds of things going on here would result in expulsion, or at least a very stern talking-to. It was at the same time unnerving and inviting. Secondly, the idea of being able to move into their own room here rather than continue to rely on the generosity of others seemed like a blessing, even if that meant some colorful characters living next door. "Mead's certainly common back home, but we tend to drink to celebrate accomplishments rather than for the sake of it," he comments while moving down the hall. While he's confident they're likely all just the same, who one has as a next-door neighbor is a very pertinent factor when picking a room. They take the courtesy to knock on each one before trying them out.
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Sep 8, 2021 13:25
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Kakka Kakka gives a small stink eye towards Chizire as he's first introduced, and a larger one when his lifestyle is brought up, before he catches himself and puts on a more stoic expression. Could be that HaiFeng approves...and plenty of sailors do the same... He decides to think more on it, and remains quiet during the introduction. He gives a friendly wave goodbye as the student gaggle heads into the dorm. As Ignaci pops out and introduces himself, Kakka looks a bit more excited. Oh! He speaks up, "Oh hi Ignaci! I'd love to talk about alchemy when you're able! But, ah..." Kakka checks his money pouch. "..I need to restock my supplies..." Kakka then recalls what Esi said about the Powderpile, specifically the word 'stipend' mentioned alone with it. "I want to check out this stipend first, and see what I can set up on my own... but soon, let's talk Ignaci!" Kakka then falls into the group that heads towards the Powderpile. bobthenameless fucked around with this message at 17:17 on Sep 9, 2021 |
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Sep 9, 2021 14:15
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ORIENTATION OMNIBUS // STIPENDS & SIDEHUSTLES GROUP L GM (zachol): Ignaci smiles broadly at Beck's introduction, shaking his hand firmly back, and leading him (and anyone else intending to get a meal) out of the Dorms. As they step outside, he smoothly pops open a stylish purple umbrella, well matched to his suit. "Wonderful to meet you, Beck. Well, first off, we've got mangoes and plantains pretty much all the time. They do something tricky with the greenhouses and the various specific lines of fruit to make sure at least something's always in season, although on occasion they're still a little green. They're freely available--I'm not sure how familiar you are with Nantambu, but it's actually a city-wide practice, the council makes sure everyone's fed, everyone. There's also always bread, stacks of chapati and sometimes other styles. I think one of the student cooks is trying to replicate baguette but they are not managing it. "Otherwise, Ms. Yao arranges for a couple of different options each day. We've got some vegans, because of outright digestibility restrictions or otherwise. Lentils are pretty common, there's usually a meat stew... a lot of things have peanuts in them. It's all a little spicy for me, I tend to just have extra bread. Or the couscous. Oh, there's usually fried fish in the afternoon. Very fresh. "Ms. Yao's set the standard at two meals a day, not counting the fruit or breads, and sometimes there's a morning porridge that doesn't count either. The two meals are free to all students, and you can pay a little bit for extra portions, or to make a request, although if you've got a dietary restriction she won't charge for that of course." He pauses at the door, glancing back with a frown. "Any stragglers...? Well, anyway, I'm curious, Beck, did you have something in mind? Ms. Yao can be a little forceful, but I'd be happy to relay any requests or questions." Beck (Infinite Karma): "I'm not used to such variety," Beck replies honestly. "fresh fruit is a luxury to mariners, and we're supposed to take what we're given, gratefully. This Ms. Yao makes a wide variety of food, then? Truly, this is a place of riches. I guessed that an alchemist would familiarize himself with all the various ingredients available in Nantambu. I do enjoy chapati, though; they go with everything." He doesn't open an umbrella as he continues with Ignaci, and though enthusiastic, his voice is subdued in tone. To Ignaci's question about anything else in mind, Beck has a more open-ended curiosity, "I've taken a personal interest in the many plants and animals that scholars might study here... is Ms. Yao a zoologist? I can think of few better places to study anatomy and natural history than a well-provisioned kitchen." GM (zachol): Ignaci seems completely nonplussed. "That's... you know, I've never actually thought about it. The school does have some staff I know for certain didn't attend here as students. I knew Ms. Yao was an excellent chef, and I know she knows about agriculture and butchery, but I'm not sure if she's an outright zoologist in the more abstract sense." He waves vaguely back at the plaza. "We've got a few greenhouses, and plenty of druidic focuses, and the leshys. I didn't think there'd be much overlap with the kitchens, besides the connection to the greenhouses that do focus on food production, and even that's more of just... feedback about any changes they've worked on? That seems like a good question, though." Beck (Infinite Karma): Beck shrugs with a grin, "if she's not teaching, maybe she should. I will certainly ask. I was made an initiate because of my practical knowledge more than academic gifts or social graces. You might have heard of a small misunderstanding when I cut open a panther shark during my interview; I hope to fill in a few other gaps in the Magaambya's knowledge, if I'm to aspire to anything." The dwarf seems a bit awkward as he continues to make small talk, "But what are your interests, Ignaci? If not the food, something has to keep you here?" GM (zachol): Ignaci laughs briefly at that. "My interests? I'd say alchemy, mostly. It's a little silly, but I've actually focused so far on inkmaking. Dyes, pigments... mostly just inks, but also fabric dyes. I've had a few projects with students working out specialized paints, but my current long term project is hashing out the details on... well, imagine a multicolored ink, where as you write across the page it acts as a gradient from one color to the next, but evenly in a single direction across the entire page, instead of simply changing colors along the line of your pen. Obviously you can get that kind of effect already, but I'm trying to work out something that can reasonably be mass produced and used by anyone." A Perception check to Sense Motive against DC 18 will notice this is absolutely not the whole story about what "keeps him here." Sense Motive from Beck for some insight: 20+7=27 (critical success) Beck (Infinite Karma): "Seems easier to make alchemical paper than alchemical ink for that purpose," Beck suggests offhandedly, suspicious at Ignaci's deflection. GM (zachol): Ignaci smiles, holding himself in a pretty recognizable 'lecture' bearing, before he abruptly stops and looks confused, smile turning to a puzzled frown. "That's... an excellent idea..." He continues to mutter to himself, with things like "would need to dope the paper with a catalyst" and "expensive, but otherwise would be vulnerable to getting wet, a stabilizer would be even more costly" and so on. It's difficult to get much of an impression of someone in the limited time Beck's had to interact, but Ignaci strikes him as... deeply unhappy. It was somewhat obvious that his behavior was a front, a sort of detached, polite cheerfulness, but that sort of front usually just hides a huckster or narcissist. Ignaci does not want to have much to do with anyone, and perhaps the easiest 'fake' personality he can conjure up is one that's at least nominally polite, and easily dismissable. It's also not clear what, if anything, Beck can or should do about this. Ignaci isn't dangerous, just... guarded, and perhaps not really 'in' with the Magaambya program. You're fairly certain he wouldn't react well to any kind of direct questioning, at least not anytime soon and with effective strangers. While Beck and Ignaci are both pondering deep and complex topics, the door to the dining hall slams open.  Lumusi Yao This is Lumusi Yao, who is significantly more irate looking now than in the picture. She shouts at Ignaci, who jerks and straightens to attention. "What are you people waitin' for, standin' around and yakkin' in front of my... hall..." She peters off, squinting at the others. "'naci, who are these?" "Ah, right, these are some of the new initiates. Everyone, this is Ms. Yao, she's--" "You all better call me Lumusi if you know what's good for you." "Indeed, of course. She's the one in charge of the dining hall, who I mentioned earlier, and--" "And she's the one who's gonna feed you all right now. Unless you'd rather sit outside, cold and hungry in the rain?" She gives you a look, then sweeps back inside. Ignaci blinks a few times, coughs, then follows suit, gesturing for you to come in. The dining hall is sedate, a few students briefly looking up before returning to their food, and for many their work. Scrolls and slates are in abundance, many students half-heartedly scribbling with a piece of bread or fruit in the other hand. It also smells wonderful. There are high open windows along the sloped roof, propped open as little canopies, and the combined smell of the rain and of the various stews and roasts in the back is surprisingly comforting. Ignaci heads towards a counter that Lumusi meets you at, at a pretty central location along the side, one recognizeable student worker also there. He gives a shy wave, while Lumusi is rooting around in a small bag. "Well now. Did 'naci tell you all about how we do things around here?" "Yes, precisely. Two meals a day, and of course the gratis long dishes on the tables that--" "Great. If you've got dietary restrictions or questions 'bout the ingredients, you can ask a worker but they might have to have a chat with me if they're not sure. Extra meals beyond the two or bigger portions are a copper each. If you want something special for some occasion it's a silver." "The workers should get used to seeing you but just to be sure, this bead," and she holds up a little glass bead, colored like a nice ripe mango, "says that you're square. If I revoke one, that doesn't mean you'll starve, it just means you can't take your meals in the hall, and you'll need to bring them somewhere else. Don't be rude to the workers, don't make a big mess." She pauses, and your attention is drawn to the food. A pot of some kind of shredded meat stew, something that's primarily red lentils, and a thick brown soup, maybe peanut? Also plenty of bread, and to the side shredded cassava in some kind of dressing. "Questions?" Beck (Infinite Karma): After the awkward interaction with the out-of-place Ignaci, Beck can't help but feel a kinship with the young man in the same way, and a sense of sadness that they are still unlikely to bond over it. The entrance of the bombastic Lumusi breaks Beck out of his own head. The sights and scents of such a fantastic place are of course delightful, but Lumusi is probably the first person here who acts like someone might back home. "Please call me Beck, Lumusi... your dining hall reminds me of where I grew up, I will be happy to follow any rules you might have and would be honored to accept your bead," the dwarf accepts the mango hued glass. "My only dietary request is that I would like to try a bit of everything." He adds, attempting to be helpful. "I do have one question though... are you a Lore-speaker, Lumusi? I asked Ignaci and he wasn't sure. I'm interested in natural history, and I guessed you might have some lessons on the plants and animals of the world that a lot of scholars would overlook. Would I be able to study with you?" GM (zachol): Lumusi looks a little baffled at Beck's question, giving a brief questioning glance to Ignaci (who only shrugs in return) before shaking her head slowly, peering at Beck. "No, I can't say so. I've been a cook all around the city, more than a few places, and I suppose I've picked up one or two things, but never any scholarly learnin' or really how to explain it properly. If you mean you'd like to learn how to prepare some of the trickier kinds of beasts, I could manage that. I wouldn't say I'm much of an ecologist, though." She thinks it over, gazing off into the distance (or the rafters, maybe). "If you're looking for hunting advice, especially big game, I can't really help you myself. Never been 'out in the field,' as they say. But, I know who to buy from, and I could introduce you to them if you want." OOC: Lumusi can help only somewhat with this, generally on a smaller scale or with domestic livestock and farming. She can, however, refer you to her sources for game, which can give more advice on more exotic, deadlier types of flora and fauna. And she can help with butchering, and with properly extracting and preserving useful parts from monsters. Beck (Infinite Karma): Beck shakes his head gently, "not hunting so much, just what the various plants and animals are good for, what to watch out for, and how to get at the good parts. I could pick up a shirt or two in exchange, if that sounds like a fair deal?" "Actually, now that you mention hunting, I have been looking for some big game with extra-big scales. If you know anyone who hunts dinosaurs, I'd love to meet them." GM (zachol): "Dinosaurs, huh? Mmmm. Well, I know we sometimes get northerners coming down to the Mwangi to hunt them, and there are different groups that hire themselves out as guides. A lot of that kind of business happens in Bloodcove, but half the time it's a scam. Around here, there's maybe two groups that do it reliably. Emerald Branch Company and Steady Compass Outfitters, they handle lots of expeditions. They charge a fortune, though, since usually that kind of customer is a northerner with too much gold and no sense looking for a thrill. If you were maybe considering working with them, they might take you on. If you're just looking for pointers and would hunt the beasts yourself, well... you could ask. They could still ask for a favor back, maybe, especially if you say you're part of the school." She frowns, thinking it over. "There isn't really any demand for dinosaur meat, there aren't any regular hunters around here who specialize in it. If neither of those companies works out I can start asking around the older crowd, hunters who maybe used to handle dinosaurs. Alright?" Beck (Infinite Karma): "It's the scales I'm after, if I'm being honest, not the hunt. I've been trying to commission a special suit of armor, and wouldn't cross a dragon to get it. But I insist, if you're going to help me, I'm going to help you. If you're okay with that, we've got a deal." GM (zachol): "Hmm, that might be doable. I know that usually when we get dinosaur meat in, it's on account of someone baggin' a trophy. They just keep the head, and the rest gets divvied up. I don't think I could get you a deal, there's always going to be a demand for scales, 'cluding and 'specially for armor, but they probably have some in the middle of gettin' cured and we could arrange a transaction. You'll be gettin' your stipend, right? It should be covered, I'd imagine." She smiles. "And I wouldn't say no to some help to ease the price a little. But, we can figure all that out later, I bet you're gettin' hungry. Don't hold up the line!" OOC: Students can freely Earn Income at Task Level 1 (DC 15) in a variety of ways across campus. Lumusi is a major source of these jobs, at least for new students. This includes harvesting (Survival or Nature), food preparation and cooking (Survival), serving and tidying up the hall (Society), or repairing utensils or equipment (Crafting), along with other related tasks. GROUP P GM (zachol): Esi heads east, continuing on the counter-clockwise tour. "So, there's definitely no strings attached. I'm guessing we've at least sometimes had problems with someone, like, scamming us and just bouncing, but it's kind of just a Nantambu thing in general? I mean, there are a lot of places around the city I could go and make a whole lot more money way more easily if I was going to just, y'know, leave afterward. They wouldn't even chase me, it's just that if I ever came back I'd be in for like a week of getting not officially locked in a room without an actual lock and subjected to endless lectures and questions about how I'm doing and if I needed any help and how could we help you help everyone. Eheh." She scratches the back of her neck awkwardly, and waves at one of the leshy standing at the edge of their forest, who waves back, particularly at Scarlet.  Hallowed Bone "Really it's more a question of how they think you'll contribute back. Everyone who comes here definitely has the potential to do really well, so it would be pretty silly to just leave after the first day. You'd lose out on a lot, especially since again there are plenty of better places in Nantambu for like a two or three day scam if that's all you wanted. Assuming you stay for at least a year or two, you'll have absorbed enough skills to make a good living pretty much anywhere. If you just leave at that point... well, that's fine. Not a lot of people do that. Some do, but most don't, and it's worth the stipend and the effort to teach everyone even if like one in ten just leave. Or even one in four, the returns are still definitely worth it. "Actually I'm pretty sure if you wanted to you could walk up to Teacher Ot or whoever, say that you don't think you're a good fit for the school, and ask for even double the stipend you're going to get today, and they'd give it to you, along with a recommendation for some other place to get a good job or gig or whatever right away. Maybe that's an exaggeration but it sounds like something that would happen. Maybe only once, I guess. Anyway, we're here." The Powderpile is a squat, thick little building, one that gives the impression of stability and resilience. It sort of reminds you of a bank, or those highly reinforced 'magic item shops.' Although you're not sure if it's necessarily to do with defense against intruders--it also looks a lot like the occasional volatile experimental lab used for spell or alchemy development and experimentation. Esi pushes the door open, revealing a somewhat gloomy and cluttered interior, all sorts of adventuring equipment scattered among the more typical spell and ritual components and mundane school supplies. Behind the main desk is a kobold, who perks up at the sight of the group.  Xhokan "Esi! Great to see you! And let me guess, new students? Welcome, welcome!" He starts scrounging behind the desk. Valfane (Ripley):"Yep, brand new students, sir," Valfane agrees with the storekeeper, holding up his single bead from Teacher Ot. He files away Esi's comments for later, for now looking around the crowded shelves with interest. Scarlet Hood (Tricky): Scarlet, of course, waves back at the leshy with vigor. Soars does much the same, though just manages to look like a particularly windblown flower as the group moves into the Powderpile. Immediately gawking at the shelves, Scarlet gravitates towards the more natural reagents and oohs and ahhs over them. Kakka (bobthenameless): After arriving, Kakka roams around the shelves, mainly looking for: an alchemist lab, a basic crafting book, a formula book, and generally looking amongst the alchemical supplies. Kakka then approaches the desk and the shopkeeper. "Ah, hello there Mr.. Shopkeeper! I am Kakka!" Kakka bobs his head, then timidly asks "..I didn't know this, but we were told earlier that there's a..stipend? How does that work? Are there any... uh" Kakka pauses as he thinks for the right term "...payment plan options for scholarly needs outside our budget?" Kakka then glances towards the alchemy lab.(if there was one) GM (zachol): "A stipend indeed! First, however, a request.." He pops up from behind the counter, setting down several bound... packages, squarish bags, looking like very thick books, each of them close to identical. He also holds a lump of clay, from which he is picking several smaller lumps that he sets on the counter. "Ah, no, first an introduction. I am Xhokan. Please call me Xhokan, and please do not call me Mr. Xhokan, and certainly not Teacher Xhokan as several have. It is Xhokan alone. Now, the request. Each of you, please take a bit of clay and roll it into a ball. Into a bead! I will handle drilling the hole, all I need is for you to roll it smooth. You can do it while you browse." He shuffles the packages around, and draws some small cloth bags that jingle delightfully. "As new students, you will each receive a starting fund. Forty gold pieces! Additionally, fourteen rolls of parchment, five inkwells, three pens, and a very fetching leatherbound journal. I believe most students use it to record major discoveries and observations, and finalized research notes." He arranges the packages on the near side of the counter in easy reach, each with a cloth bag on top, then draws several more slightly smaller bags which still also jingle delightfully, along with several narrower packages. "Furthermore! At the beginning of each month, each student in good standing will receive a further four gold pieces! To be precise, two gold, twenty silver pieces. At the beginning of each month, each student in good standing will also receive a set of six parchment scrolls, two vials of ink, and one pen." He sets the further packages and coin bags right next to the first ones, all arranged very neatly. "I know that students have varied interests, and will be happy to direct you to other merchants in Nantambu, or enterprising students who I am aware of, if I do not have a certain item in stock, or if you wish to 'shop around.' For example, I know many students go on dangerous expeditions. I do not carry weapons! However, I can refer you to several trustworthy smiths depending on your particular requirements, and to students who would be willing to provide you with offensive wands or the like. I also know many students enjoy performing music. I do not carry or service musical instruments! I do know of several excellent luthiers and other craftspeople who will be happy to work with new students. "Lastly, I will also be happy to serve as point of sale for any artifacts or other useful items you may come across during your expeditions. However, I am not a fence! I recall every transaction made, and over the course of appraising, cataloging and displaying new acquisitions there will be many opportunities for interested parties to recognize stolen items." He squints. "Several students have gotten the impression that 'spoils' taken from bandits, pirates and other criminals are 'fair game.' They are not, particularly when such spoils are often originally stolen in the first place. There are lawkeeping organizations both in Nantambu and across the Expanse that can work to repatriate such items and grant a reward for their recovery. I can direct you to them and coach you on how to handle the process, but will not perform it for you, and cannot accept presumed stolen goods, even to directly transfer to the authorities. Understood? Excellent!" He shuffles all the packages around slightly, straightening them out a bit more, then holds up a small brownish bead, looking like a sack. "As soon as you return your unfinished bead, I will grant you one of my own signifying free access to the store. As said, feel free to browse, though I would ask that you hand in your beads soon. As for the payment plan... the initial offering is meant to pay for somewhat larger purchases of lab equipment. If you have something more extensive in mind, we may discuss it, but I would not be comfortable diverting more than half of your monthly stipend in any kind of plan, nor of a plan lasting more than one year. Did you have a particular large purchase you were worried about? We might also discuss a rental." The store is... interesting. There's a sense of dinginess, but as you look closer it also strikes you as relentlessly clean and neat, the atmosphere a result more of reserved lighting than anything else actually 'dingy.' As Xhokan said, he doesn't carry weapons. Well, he does carry things like hatchets and knives, along with machetes and saws, in a section that's largely camping gear, but they're not particularly appropriate for combat. The hatchets aren't balanced for throwing, the knives are knives and not stabbing daggers, etc. He also doesn't carry bows, even as hunting equipment, though there are some traps and snares, along with fishing tackle. What he does carry seems to be largely divided into 'adventuring' or expedition gear, and school gear. Tents, rope, packs, all the camping gear, things for climbing like spikes and picks (also not terribly good for combat), cooking gear with a focus on lightness, all that sort of thing. There are rations, but they're the specially preserved type. School supplies include all sorts of writing supplies, scrolls, ink and pens along with sturdy books to be used for spells, rituals or formula, and then all sorts of carefully labeled and stored miscellany that some might recognize as spell components, and a nearly endless array of powders off in one section, paired with small jars and scoops. Dozens of types of ground stones and gems, ground beetles and other insects, dried and ground roots and leaves and flowers, on and on. You can only assume they must be for alchemy, or as substitute components in spells and rituals, or... something like that. The traditions of alchemy, spellcasting, and medicine all sort of blend together, with various ingredients useful in different ways to each tradition. Finally, there's also a smallish section of end products, things like potions, alchemical tools (no bombs or poisons, though there are a few tanglefoot bags), a few worn items like a coyote cloak or a crafter's eyepiece, and a few utility-focused scrolls and wands. Like before, nothing that could really be considered a weapon, except perhaps the tanglefoot bags or the holy water. Kakka (bobthenameless): roll roll roll clay ball Kakkas eyes bulge at the initial stipend. "F..Forty? Ah... well I was not expecting that, Xhokan! Good to know about the renting and possibilities for the future, though!" Kakka takes a close look at the forming bead, sees that its not smooth yet, and continues rolling it "Do you also buy potions from students, or would you recommend fellow students or others of Nantambu for that?" GM (zachol): Xhokan nods. "An excellent question! For now it would be best to sell between your fellow students. I do accept student work, but only from those with reliable output, whose product I can confidently sell without question. I can help with some connections with other students--there are clubs with storefronts that pool their products, and work on confirming each others' results, and they can also guide you towards establishing yourself as a professional brewer." OOC: As a new student you can reliably Earn Income at Task Level 1 (DC 15). This can be facilitated in several ways by different teachers or staff, or by asking older students (for example, Lumusi in the kitchens has several types of work available). To be clear, you can abstract out the process of negotiating with other students with a Craft check to Earn Income, which can also represent helping them with their own projects, or crafting the extremely minor sorts of background items that presumably exist but aren't worth actually having stats or entries, like a mixture to relieve minor headaches or hangovers. Valfane (Ripley): Valfane tries not to look as startled as the tengu does. Forty gold? Oh, of course, people offer me that sort of money all the time. He carefully rolls his clay bead, trying to make it at least somewhat pleasing to the eye, while the group listens to Xhokan's clearly well-practiced lecture. Looking over the shelves, the various ingredients and reagents mean nothing to him - what he knows about alchemy is a very short story indeed, which he's starting to think makes him the odd one out here. No doubt some of the expedition gear will come in handy later, though, if students earn their places by providing community service. He's quick to turn in his finished clay bead once he's satisfied with it. "I'm Valfane, s-uh-Xhokan. I'd be interested in the luthiers you recommend - I haven't been here long, but it's a very musical city." GM (zachol): Xhokan nods again, seemingly expecting the question, because he instantly rattles off a list of names. "Daamir Abbas specializes in the oud, along with similar northern instruments such as the mandola or lute. He has a large workshop and many instruments appropriate for students, and is known as a respectable choice among professionals in the city. "Amahle Inyoni also works with the oud and mandola, though she is somewhat more of a generalist, and also has a stock of northern fiddles and similar instruments. I am told they are of somewhat low quality, but that is perhaps by the standards of northern experts; they are certainly not of poor quality, only 'average' or 'provincial.' She is also somewhat... mercurial, weak to amusement and games such as bartering." He says that last word with a distinct sneer, as if the idea is entirely too repulsive, shakes himself out of it, and continues. "Njiwa Boro works with tonal metal instruments, bells and chimes, and steel drums. He is also the foremost local producer of the mbira, sometimes known as the kalimba. Most importantly, he draws metallic strings for other instruments and can advise on how to reinforce their pins and frets, which may be of interest. Many students report him to be friendly and generous, with instruments for all levels of dedication, and most claves and agogos on campus came from his shop. "There is also Uzoma Chinedu, who produces arched bow harps of exceptional style. This is somewhat more particular, as a southeastern tradition, and perhaps not appropriate for a novice, as most are produced within communities and among performers, and Uzoma mainly produces exceptionally fine instruments for masters. However, she would likely be willing to connect you with a teacher, who would be able to guide you through the process. "Finally, if you wish to learn or practice the piano, there are two parlors that we have contracts with where you can reserve studio time for a minor fee." Scarlet Hood (Tricky): Scarlet has taken to rolling the clay bead with gusto -- she's missed "smooth" and landed on "basically flat" a few times before re-lumping it, but, well, she's having fun with it. Her grasp of the exact value of a gold piece is academic at best, as her needs will likely continue to revolve around minor spell components and (possibly) those for school projects. And half of those you can just walk around and find anyways! She muses aloud, "I bet the mess hall always needs more food, too." Kakka (bobthenameless): Kakka turns to Scarlet, and says: "Indeed! I'm sure there's a lot of coin to be made here..." Kakka turns pensive, and quietly reflecting on what possible ways exist to turn the 40 gold stipend into more... then he suddenly looks back at Scarlet "Oh! Hi, I am Kakka! I saw you at the magical tables earlier!" He puts out a talon in greeting. GM (zachol): At that moment, the door slams open, and a dwarf, Haibram Thodja, stumbles in, a broad grin on his face as he spots Kakka. Somewhat predictably, Xhokan yells at him. "Do not slam the door!" "Ah, right... sorry sir! Anyway, Kakka, buddy, glad I found yeh. Here, I wanted to apologize fer my earlier... uh... little bit of dickery." He pulls out something from one of his pouches. It looks like a little bird in flight, maybe a raven, carved out of black wood. "This is like those messenger bird tokens. However, what it does it let you do a dream message. You have to sit with it fer a little while in the evening, and then it'll kinda fly off into the dreamlands or whatever and send a message to someone. It's ah... single use kinda deal. Anyway, no hard feelings, yeh? Really sorry." He smiles again, then turns to Scarlet Hood and Valfane. "Oh hey. Nice to meet yeh. You were with Esi earlier, righ'? Call me Haibram. Anyway, I gotta get going... or actually..." He squints at one of the tables, then walks off, giving them another grin and a wave and a "see yeh 'round." OOC: Kakka receives a dream messenger token, a consumable item that allows an effect similar to a level 3 dream message: with ten minutes of focus, you can send a one minute message to a single target you've met before, either immediately if they are asleep or whenever they do sleep within the next 24 hours. However, unlike dream message, the token does not provide feedback, so you won't know exactly when the message is sent, and if the target is dead or doesn't sleep for an entire day the message won't be delivered and you won't know. Kakka (bobthenameless): Kakka takes the token. "Oh, it's no problem! Just showing me how things could.." Kakka sees Haibram in a bit of a hurry "Well thanks, Haibram! Until next time!" And gives a friendly wave goodbye. Scarlet Hood (Tricky): Scarlet waves goodbye to Haibram, waits a moment, then shakes Kakka's talon, "I'm Scarlet Hood, but everyone calls me Scarlet!" There's a shy little shake from the flower perched on her cap, then she adds, "And that's Soars On The Wind, she's my friend." There's a moment of curiosity warring with politeness, then conspiratorially the leshy asks, "So what kind of magic do you do? I do a lot of, y'know, plant stuff. Talk to animals, sometimes." Kakka (bobthenameless): "A pleasure to meet you, Scarlet Hood! And hello there, Soars On The Wind!" Kakka gives a friendly wave towards the flower. "I've got a friend here too, he doesn't like to be about too much...so I tend to not introduce him, but.." Kakka opens a bit of his robe to the bigger pouch the octupus rests in, but there's just a bit of blue tentacle that pulls the lid down, blocking what little light reaches. ".. but this is Zilch! Maybe he'll come out later.. ah well." "And ooh, plant magic? That sounds pretty interesting! Back home I dealt with some plants, mostly selling..." Kakka pauses briefly and thinks a bit about who he's speaking with. ".Uh, mostly selling herbs and a few other plants to help the health of the local sailors. For myself, well I know a bit of this and that, nothing too focused yet.. but sort of tending towards enchantments, and some divination spells! I also have a bit of a leaning towards spells drawing from Shadow.. but early days in that still. Mostly all thanks to my pal Zilch here helping me. I'm hoping to learn a bit more about alchemy as well here at the Magaambya. I think?" Kakka glances down at his new token, and looks up again. "I'm... still unsure why I'm here at all, actually. But, Teacher Ayuwari was really impressive with that lightning earlier!" Kakka tilts his head to the side "I.. may be interested in learning how to call the storm as he did earlier, too... What brings you here? Will you be focusing on strengthening your plant magic?"
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Sep 14, 2021 01:03
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ORIENTATION OMNIBUS // STIPENDS & SIDEHUSTLES II GROUP S GM (zachol): Ramiel watches the two groups head out, resting for a little while on the front steps next to Chizire, who easily offers up some mango slices and wine, along with room under the tent. It's good mango and very... rustic wine. "So... we can have a little chat, and I'll probably ask the obvious lovely question. Or you can ask me whatever. Or we can take a nap." He looks over with a grin. "I tend to go for the nap." He takes a long, lazy stretch, eyes settling on the woods around the dorm, and the main path. "I'd say you could poke around the dorm, but even with this whole town's... 'leave a chair empty for a stranger, every door is always open' sort of deal, people do get a little twitchy about their own personal rooms." He holds up his hands, at the sticky mango juice all over his fur, flicking an ear in irritation. "Maybe a bath. Yeesh." He doesn't actually make a move to get up, though. Draahzin (Ryuujin): Draahzin stays back near Chizire for awhile as well. As the others begin to head off he looks about and then sidles up to Chizire. If offered some mango he will eat a little, and give some to Silver Scale. "You mentioned something about wine? And perhaps something stronger? How strong are we talking? How flammable are your masterpieces?" GM (zachol): Chizire looks blankly at Draahzin for a few moments, then raises an eyebrow. "If you're looking for clearflame, I can get that easy. I do infusions, sure, having a neutral baseline is important. Also pureflame, charflame, it really depends on what you're going for, if it's for sipping or mixing. The student store has wood gas if you just need fuel for fire kits or bombs instead of drinking. If you want something barrel aged and mixed well, I can do that too, but I need to charge for it, and it's going to be small batches and still pretty young." He chuckles under his breath, gaze settling back on the forest. "I don't have any masterpieces yet. I've got rum going, a nice dunder set up, but that just took a while and it's nothing special. I'm working on some whiskies, but I'm still mostly at the point of little sticks of burnt wood in glass jars, haven't settled on anything. If you want I can bring you in on testing them, but I'm still years away from reliable big batches. Maybe two or three good small barrels so far, and like I said that'll cost you." Ramiel (CottonWolf): Ramiel slumps down on a cushion, and hungrily bites into the mango, juice running down his chin. "I needed that. Thanks!" He then gulps down the wine. "That sure goes down easy. Oh, I'm forgetting my manners. Ramiel Makisal, elf, at your service." Looking at Draahzin, "I don't believe we've introduced ourselves either. Good to meet you too!" "Are you an alchemist, Chizire, or just an amateur brewer-distiller?" "Me, I'm just a dancer. But definitely a fan of wine!" GM (zachol): "Ehh... I'd say I'm competent. There aren't really 'requirements' here, like required classes, but they sort of expect you to be familiar with most subjects, including alchemy. It's more that I understand the theory behind item associations, and then it's pretty obvious how it all works. A 'real alchemist' will just know about interactions that come up more with alchemy, and the best ratios." He smiles at Ramiel indulging in the wine. "Good to hear it's appreciated. Also, no, I don't do alchemy in my room. I don't know what Ignaci does to keep the stench out of his clothes, but I know I couldn't keep it out of my fur. I'm more than happy to leave that type of brewing to him. Plus, I don't know what the hell some people do around here, but I don't really have a use for bombs or acid or anything." There's a pause as he takes another sip, thinking it over. "That said, I do make a good detoxer that sort of involves alchemy. It's pretty general purpose, if you ever get, uh, hooked on anything... not that I'm saying you would, but sometimes people around here get a little tightly wound, feel like they need an edge, and things get out of hand. If it does happen, no questions asked, I'll help you out." He rolls his eyes, focusing back on the treeline. "The teachers would help you out too, but their 'detox' is just straight iboga and some purgatives, no smoothers, and they'd also really pester you about your supplier. Also, heads up, I am not a supplier of anything except alcohol. If you want hash or anything else soft I know a couple of guys. Smoking's fine with the school as long as you're not waving it in front of everyone or blazed in class. When you get to the ultra-concentrated alchemical poo poo they aren't as happy about it, but mostly because that stuff can definitely gently caress you up." Draahzin (Ryuujin): Draahzin's face goes through a few stages, hope, disappointment, confusion. Then Ramiel speaks and he realizes that yes he has't really introduced himself. "Sorry. Yes. I am Draahzin." He reaches out and strikes Silver Scale's scales, "and this is Silver Scale, my friend." He scratches a scale on his face. "Hmm. I am not sure if I was clear what I meant. I don't even know what would be the right kind of alcohol. But I once saw some strangers drink some alcohol and then spit fire. It was very impressive for something that didn't involve magic. I was curious if you had anything that would work for that." If he could blush he would probably be blushing right now. "I have an affinity for dragons, and so I kind of like things that can imitate their breath weapons." GM (zachol): "Oh, firebreathing? Well, you can use clearflame for that. Drinking clearflame by itself is a poo poo idea, though, even just holding it in your mouth will make you drunk. They could've been using it, and they could even have been using pureflame or a strong rum, but I figure that's a lot harder to do. Smaller fire. From what I heard, firebreathing is supposed to be done with paraffin, the really nice kind of lamp oil. I never really tried to get into it, pretty sure I'd burn my whiskers off. You can get paraffin in the store, although it'll be kinda expensive and you'll want to refine it further. I mean, it's nice for lamp oil, it's still pretty gross." Meanwhile, Orvald starts to poke around the halls, although unfortunately there is not quite so much to find. All the rooms on the west side are claimed, but also apparently empty. A6 is Esi's, and A11 is Ignaci's, both of whom are off on the tour. The six rooms numbered A14 are the ones available right now to the new initiates, at least on this floor, and in terms of A12 and A13, both are empty at the moment, or perhaps ignoring Orvald's polite knock and call. At least for now the choice has more to do with perhaps being near Ignaci's room, which might have distracting alchemical experiments. Otherwise it might just come down to where the doors are. As Orvald ponders this, examining the room closest to the south entrance, he notices someone at the base of the back steps. Curious, he takes a few steps to get a better look.  Anchor Root It's a gnoll, who has a... a very, very fluffy chicken, on a long tether. The chicken is diligently pecking at the base of the stairs, while the gnoll watches calmly, eyes slowly sweeping back and forth as she assesses the chicken's progress. Orvald can... maybe? Maybe notice that there are a lot of ants crawling around down there, and this is apparently pest control. The gnoll glances up, spotting Orvald at the entryway. Before he can say anything, she squeaks out an "eep!" and rushes behind the sort of tree bush at the base of the stairs, crouching down behind it. The chicken doesn't care at all, continuing to peck away, while the tether trails off behind the bush. It is calm and quiet back here, the little field behind the dorm quaint, the rain gently beating down. Near the back of the dorm on the east side is some kind of pond. Off to the side there are a couple of benches next to a little tiled patio with a big folded umbrella. Part of the field is packed dirt, probably for sports, although it's too muddy now. And there's still... still a gnoll hiding behind a bush. Hm. Orvald (Unknown Quantity): Such a quirky character they have found. Guiding a bird around to, seemingly, clean up. Normally one would just use a broom or, perhaps, a dog, to do something like this. And such an interesting little area too. The ideal place for leisure activities, if only on days with fairer skies. Regardless, Orvald decides to put their best foot forward and put on a smile as they, in an inside voice, speak up and wave their hand. "Hello there. Are you, perhaps, a student, or a member of staff? I was just looking around to get an idea of where everything is." GM (zachol): The gnoll eeps as Orvald approaches, shifting around behind the bush. After several moments, she very slowly peeks out, one brown eye visible through the fringe of leaves. "Um. Hello. I'm, um... I'm Anchor Root. I'm just... just a student..." It's very difficult to hear her over the soft pattering of the rain, and if Orvald approaches to get a better view around the bush, she'll slowly circle the other way, keeping it in between. "Did you... can I... I can... if you need I could... helpyoulookaround..." A DC 11 Perception check will let Orvald be confident that she's offering to show him around, otherwise the last bit gets totally drowned out by the rain into 'I can... if you something something.' Orvald's Perception check: 5+3=8 (failure). The gnoll, 'Anchor Root' apparently, trails off into exceptionally soft whispers. Maybe if there wasn't any rain Orvald could pick it out, but right now it's hopeless, and the pair of you settle into a tableau of sublime awkwardness. Then the chicken starts squawking and shaking its feathers, hopping up the steps and pulling at the tether. Apparently it's some kind of super chicken, as she's pulled out from behind the bush, following up the stairs and stopping at the entrance, as the chicken shakes out its feathers and stops in the southern hallway. Anchor Root just sort of has a hesitant look, glancing back and forth between the chicken and Orvald, and manages to muster up the courage to try again. "Um, hi. My name is Anchor Root. Do you... um... oh!" The chicken is again pulling at the tether, going after a small trail of ants that's winding around in the hallway from a crack in the wall. It settles down to peck at them, and she looks back up. "Hi. What's... um... are you... are you a student too? I don't think... I don't think visitors should be in the dorms..." Orvald (Unknown Quantity): This rain is definitely going to be something to get used to. Snow was only loud if there were harsh winds accompanying it. Then again, you also wouldn't see chickens in snow either, and the ones that existed were...rather passive, compared to this impressive creature. They follow its movements around for a bit before responding to the question. "Yes, actually. I'm part of the newest class. The others are all over the place getting a tour from Teacher Ot among others." They offer a hand as far out as they can without invading the personal space of the gnoll. "Orvald Nylund. I'm not from around here, so I might take a bit to figure out how things work locally." GM (zachol): "Oh. Oh! Okay, that's... good... I mean if you were just a visitor... snooping around the dorms... that would be really weird..." She looks down at Orvald's outstretched hand, and very gently and delicately passes him the chicken tether, draping it across his hand. Then, she looks up, eyes sometimes darting down to the chicken. "Um. If you... so you've picked out a room? Or when you do... if you do... I could help if there are any bugs. The whole school is really... I don't want to say it's been infested but... um... I think someone messed up an experiment or something." Ramiel (CottonWolf): Ramiel looks at Draahzin, “Should we go and choose our rooms? Assuming that we’re not assigned them,” to Chizure, “how does that work? Can we choose?” Draahzin (Ryuujin): Draahzin thinks about some things. Paraffin doesn't sound tasty, and it sounds like clearflame would be bad to drink, but both would have a better fire than strong rum. He would like a good flame but would not want a weird after taste. Then he hears Ramiel. "Ah. Yes if we are supposed to pick our rooms we may as well do so." GM (zachol): Chizire stands and stretches, another nice big stretch, then crouches down and splashes his hands in one of the smallish puddles that have formed on the tile steps. He proceeds to leisurely bundle up the rugs and pillows, then heads up and into the dorm, leaving the tent behind. "Yeah, come on, we can poke around." He tosses the bundle on one of the random couches in the north hall, heading to the main intersection, then stops and stares at Orvald and Anchor Root sort of frozen in awkwardness at the south entrance. Then, dismissing the situation, he gestures for everyone to follow him into the east wing. "Alright, so there's six empty rooms down here and a bunch more upstairs. This one right on the main hall," room A13, "is Noxolo's. I don't think you've met her, but she's fine. Down the little hallway here and to the left," room A12, "that's Haibram's room. Now, I like Haibram plenty, but one of his many hobbies is fireworks, and he's got a... patchy understanding of safety and experimental procedures. But, like I said, fun guy. If you want to get roped into flying over the school on a paraglider and tossing baskets of little sparklers on people having outdoor classes or whatever, you can take that room right next to his. Otherwise, maybe find somewhere a little quieter. These four in the southeast corner are all pretty similar, some senior students were living there but moved on and left like their carpets and stuff. I think you probably saw that Ignaci lives over there," room A11, "and I'm in that corner," room A8. He stares at the room in the south-east area, frowning and thinking it over, then turns back to the group. "These two," the ones right next to A17, "if you pick them, you might sometimes get woken up. Things creeping around, random noises and conversations. I'll, uh... I'll leave it as a spooooky mystery as to what's the deal, you'll probably figure it out pretty quick. Anyway, and over there are the poop chutes," A4, "and up here is the washroom," A15, "which is where I'm going to get my face cleaned up." Chizire indeed heads into the washroom, but leaves the doors open in case anyone has more questions. OOC: There isn't a map for the upper floor, and upstairs rooms are going to be handwaved. If you want to be downstairs in a specific location you can pick a room, otherwise if you're upstairs you'll just be somewhere upstairs. The layout is roughly similar, although A2, A3, A4 and A14 are replaced by just more rooms, most of which are empty or meant as storage rooms. Particularly, the ones near the middle near where A2 would be are long abandoned to storage, with most people choosing to stick near the stairways to the washrooms on the east and west ends. Draahzin (Ryuujin): Draahzin finds the story of Haibram's antics interesting. He is not sure about dropping fireworks on unsuspecting people though. But flying over the school on a paraglider sounds fun! So when he gets a chance he picks the room next to Haibram's for his own. Ramiel (CottonWolf): Ramiel takes the northernmost room next to A17. Spooky mysteries sounds fun, and it's nice and close to the washrooms. Always an important consideration! He throws his luggage down, and heads back out into the corridor to see what the others are doing. FULL COHORT The day winds down. Some of you are brought over to the dining hall, where a fairly intense woman gives you a little mango bead and some unidentifiable yet absolutely wonderful smelling (and tasting) stew and lentils. Some of you head over to the storeroom, where a strange little kobold gives you a bit of clay to roll into a ball and then also a finished bead in the shape of a bulging sack, and, most importantly, quite a lot of money. Eventually, everyone returns to the dorm and picks out a room, exhausted and mentally drained. All character's receive Lumusi Yao's Dining Hall Bead and Xhokan's Student Store Bead. All characters receive 44 gp and a packet of school materials. Beck receives connections to big game tour companies and a lead on dinosaur scale armor. All characters should be aware that there are multiple opportunities to Earn Income at Task Level 1 (DC 15). Some examples are using Survival or Nature under Lumusi at the dining hall, or using Craft, Arcana or Nature to help with senior student projects, such as helping produce items or do research. Kakka receives a dream messenger consumable token. Draahzin takes the northernmost room, across from Haibram in A12. Ramiel takes the northeastern room in the southeast group of four, the one closest to the definitely secret door. You do not need to select a room immediately, you can simply determine which of the available options you've picked if and when it becomes relevant. At the close of the day, all characters receive 1 Hero Point, added to the base of 1 per session, and currently at 2 Hero Points. Orientation Week: Day One Sleeping in a new place is always strange, especially when going to bed while others are still out and active. Festivities lasted deep into the night, drums and waving torches and song, no single great party but rather scattered groups enjoying themselves. As was shown yesterday, the Magaambya has numerous luxuries: free food, gold each month for nothing, warm and soft beds. Perhaps there would have to be some kind of catch. The echoing sound of rain from the wide-open main doors filtering into the halls mixing with students coming and going... well, soundproofing has given way to proper ventilation in a building this big. Or maybe that's just an excuse. For some of you, this might seem too good to be true. There were numerous points yesterday that would give most reasonable people pause, asking where the catch is. Or perhaps it's just the excitement. For some of you this is the culmination of a long journey, an incredible opportunity. You heard something about orientation week, about service projects... perhaps you're questioning whether you're still only half-admitted, whether your performance this week will be what actually confirms it... or has you booted out. Or maybe you're like Scarlet Hood, sleeping outside standing in the rain, basking in the wonderful feeling of the soft lawn and the familiar sounds of her home. But probably not. Regardless, sometime in the night the storms clear, the parties die out, and a hush comes over campus, interrupted only by the soft crunching of someone walking by on the gravel paths. In the morning, either you wake with the coming dawn, or are awoken by Esi Djana, who is entirely too much of a morning person. She "Alright everyone! Your attention please! First off, Teacher Ot said he was going to be handling all this, but he's off dealing with a minor emergency and we have a change of plans anyway. Teacher Ot had the idea of an 'orientation week,' where for five days you would work with students from the different branches on some service projects. Service projects, or community quests or whatever you want to call them, are an important part of being part of the Magaambya. People from campus or from Nantambu come to us with problems, and we solve the problems. Sometimes you get something in return, sometimes you don't. The point is that you do things for other people, and if everyone's doing things for everyone else, then everyone also ends up having things done for them. Usually you do get at least a little something in return, but it's not really like actually getting paid, more like... you know, going over to someone's house to help dig a hole for a post, and while you're there they feed you lunch." She glances at Anchor Root, who just hunches her head a little, then looks back to the group. "So like I said, part of the point is to get a little more familiar with all of the branches. Today's branch is the Rain-Scribes. I'm just helping out with organizing, I'm going to be a Tempest-Sun Mage, but Anchor Root here is... actually have you all met her? So yeah, this is Anchor Root, and she's in the process of joining the Rain-Scribes, along with Haibram, who should have been here by now..." "Ho!" A short figure glides down towards you by way of a paraglider, alighting gracefully with a little flourish. It's Haibram Thodja! He just sort of grins at you all for a few moments before Esi coughs and starts up again. "So yeah, you also already met Haibram, he's also planning on being a Rain-Scribe. Apparently? Anyway, tell them about the Rain-Scribes." "Aw, yeh, the Rain-Scribes are great. One of their duties is teh go out into the wilds, bein' explorers and guides, helpin' people find their way an' bringing back new information about what's out there. So, it's important teh... Esi, didja tell 'em about the assignment?" "No, not yet." "Yeh, so it's important teh be good with people an' with animals, so we thought this one would be great! Now, what yeh gotta do, is go out and grab us some chickens!" Esi sighs, and starts into her spiel while Haibram packs away the paraglider. "Yeah, so the deal is, we were contacted by this farmer from the city outskirts, Bisola. She said that her family used to raise Ojofiri chickens, and she'd like to do it again. Supposedly these particular chickens can brood and hatch eggs from other animals, including exotic eggs, even dragon eggs. I'm a little doubtful about that point, but I do know that they can hatch snake and crocodile eggs, which could be helpful for conservation efforts, and it would be good to have a reliable contact breeding them. The problem is..." "Ya gotta get inta the Kafesi Market!! Whoah hah hah!" "So this is a little awkward to explain," Esi says, looking distinctly apologetic. "The Kafesi Market is a traveling grey market that sometimes deals in contraband and... not necessarily illicit goods, but ones that are frowned on, especially by the Magaambya. It's not an actual formal policy, but students are expected not to use it, and in turn the Kafesi have informally banned us. A couple of students have gotten in trouble for buying specific items that really shouldn't have been being sold, and especially shouldn't have been bought by a student. It all blew back onto the Kafesi, which is what pushed them into the ban themselves. The thing is that it's a traveling market, it can pop up all over the city, and you usually need to ask around to find out where it is, but the people who know aren't really going to want to tell anyone they think is a student. We're both already pretty well known as students, but..." "None of you are! So, we thought it'd be great if yeh could track 'em down, since we've got actionable intel that someone in there has a whole buncha Ojofiri chicks!" "Again, this wasn't the plan, but the other plan fell through and then we got this request, and day-old students are probably the best way we have of actually getting something from the market. So it's the new plan. Happy coincidence. Uh, I gotta be really clear that you won't actually get in trouble, unless you go ahead and buy, like... some nasty poisons, or really suspiciously cheap jewelry that's probably been stolen, or whatever." "Esi's got way too big a stick up her butt teh suggest rule-breakin'." Esi just rolls her eyes at that, addressing the group. "Any questions?" "Um..." Everyone turns to look at Anchor Root, which immediately causes her to scrunch down again. There's a long pause before Esi tries a "yes, Anchor Root?" which manages to get her going again. "Um... it's just... the reason the Ojofiri are rare is because they're very delicate and don't lay very often. People stopped... they didn't like that, so they... um... well anyway, it's just, everyone should be really careful, especially with chicks. Also they're a really pretty lavender... I drew a picture..." Esi bops herself on the head. "Duh! I totally forgot. They've got a really distinct lavender comb and wattle, and sort of lavender dark blue feathers on their wings and lower body, with a white head and upper chest and back. Here's the picture, pass it around. I don't know how different the coloration would be on a chick, since their comb doesn't really come in that early, but the feathers should be distinct. Most common chickens around the city are pure white, black or golden brown."  The Intriguingly Illusive Ojofiri "So now any questions? Oh, and you guys should definitely split up. A dozen people asking about the market is a little too suspicious. Make it a contest, first group to find the chicks gets... I dunno, a couple of my footbags? I crochet them, people say they're nice." "An' a bottle of rum!" "...and a bottle of rum, sure." OOC: Finding the market is going to involve rolls eventually, but you should discuss a plan of action and detail your initial approach before actually getting into rolls, a few posts first. I think at this point it'll be quicker to just assign groups. For now, they're Group E: Kakka, Scarlet Hood, Orvald, Visshenia, Me'abi; and Group W: Draahzin, Ramiel, Beck, Valfane, Melidiere, Lamor. You don't have to split up immediately, a bit of coordination first will be helpful. Also, once you track down the chicks, they'll be somewhat expensive, so-- "Oh shoot! I totally forgot, I've also got a bag of gold set aside. We expect you to do service projects for the community, but we're not expecting for you to pay out of pocket for expenses. Um, Bisola the farmer gave us twenty gold, which should probably cover the number of chicks we heard about, there are supposedly nine, but... hmm... if we're having you split up... ten gold each wouldn't really work, then whoever found them would be stuck..." "Um..." Anchor Root tries again, "I could help..." Esi looks back, surprised, as Anchor Root has a bag offered up. "What, really?" "It's fine... I don't really spend that much..." Esi frowns, leans in to gently take the bag, then turns to the group, weighing the two bags and giving you a mild stink-eye. "Alright, so each group is going to get twenty gold. Normally I would've let it slide if you haggled down a good deal and had a little left over for a treat, but in this case I am absolutely expecting you all to return at least this twenty back, alright? Super crystal clear? Good." "It's really fine..." "It's absolutely not. So hopefully that's everything, third time's the charm, any questions at all? I feel like I've still forgotten something..." Haibram grins at that. "Yeh definitely 'ave." "Shush."
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Sep 14, 2021 01:04
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Group W Bhekimp'lo, Mbe'ke Dwarf Barbarian (Beck for short) Beck listens quietly to the situation, and feels relatively comfortable with the service project. Dealing with shady merchants and grey market privateers is common at sea. "Won't the Kafesi know we're students when they see our beads?" Having connected with Lumusi and the big game hunters she knows, Beck also wonders if there might be a lead between them and the market. The line between poachers and safari hunters can be awfully blurry, after all. Competitive man that he is, he saves this information for his team, to share privately.
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Sep 14, 2021 01:58
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