Outside the Bibloplex, Strixhaven Academy Central Campus - 11:57 AM
Three days till the beginning of the school term.
With only a few days left until the start of the semester, the Central Campus is abuzz with activity. Several students and teachers of all races and college affiliations make their way to and fro socializing, studying, and practicing magic along the lengthy roads dotted with the towering Torches of Enlightenment that stretch far into the surrounding countryside. At the heart of the Central Campus, among the hovering star arches, administration buildings, dormitories, and dining halls, lies the greatest archive of magical knowledge ever assembled: the Biblioplex. Beneath the massive floating stones that make up the star arch known as the Dawnbow, this vast, domed building welcomes inquisitive minds through doorless archways into its libraries stacked high with books from floor to ceiling. Inside this grand building, beneath its tall, vaulted ceilings, lie impossibly long hallways, chambers large enough to have their own unique weather patterns, and even pools and moat-passages that require boats to cross.
Outside of the Biblioplex, shuttles drawn by automated constructs in the shape of horses ferry students from the satellite campuses of the Five Colleges to this central location, or vice versa. Teleportation circles and portals transport advanced students or high-ranking faculty instantaneously to the library, eliminating the need to walk or take a shuttle. More still simply use their feet to walk from the dormitories in the Archway Commons or the cozy atmosphere of the Firejolt Café to get to the Biblioplex’s famed archives. All around, Silverquill students debate the dichotomy of radiance and shadow within the magic of the word; Prismari performers rehearse an elemental dance, punctuated by the percussion of roaring flame and cracking thunder; Lorehold learners pore over scrolls and discuss the terrible wars of the Blood Age; Quandrix theorists work together to study a conjured fractal equation; Witherbloom alchemists gather ingredients and sample potions and concoctions to better understand the essences of life and death. The scope of it all is staggering, but save for some of the googly-eyed first years still acclimating to the space, everyone seems completely unfazed by the sheer amount of magic and activity that permeates through Strixhaven.
Standing before the Biblioplex’s central archway is a tall, broad owlin woman with brown and white feathers dressed in a gray and white uniform, much like what the first year students wear before they pick their respective college. Her great wings are folded against her back, and she holds her round spectacles in one clawed talon while using the other to rub them with a handkerchief. As she places the glasses back on her face, Professor Mavinda Sharpbeak looks up to the sky and notes the position of the hands on a nearby clock.
“Why, it’s nearly high noon. Almost all of the first years have already completed their orientation activities… Where are you, students?" She mutters to herself as she conjures forth a piece of paper in her talons and scans it with her keen eyes."Canon, Harkarian, Jedavii, Robin, Marius... I certainly hope they haven't gotten lost."
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Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
With a frazzled expression a red-haired student runs along. She bumps into a couple students as she does, calling back apologies, but knowing she is already late. Her red hair is tied back in a long braid, and she wears her school uniform, though it clinks and clanks as she runs, giving away the fact there are plates of metal sewn into the cloth. Those plates give her a more boyish look than one would expect from a lovely woman, but they also help protect some from those dangers one might encounter in a magical place like this. The pack she wears bounces and jangles as well, her school supplies rattling around inside as she moves with such haste. She rushes up to the meeting location, huffing slightly. "Sorry, Professor Sharpbeak." Robin gasps out. "I went to the wrong archway, and only managed to get directions to here a minute or so ago."
Professor Sharpbeak lets out a sigh of relief as she lays eyes on Robin. "Miss Holdcrest, there you are! I was starting to get worried. Don't worry, orientation activities are still going on, and some of your peers are tardy as well. We'll wait for them here... Please, take off your pack and sit down a spell, you must be exhausted."
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Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
A portal tears open above the walkway, catching the attention of nearby students as they move out of its path. From the portal emerges a yellowish-green humanoid with pointy ears, white hair pulled into dreadlocks, toned muscles, and a maul and greatsword on his back. The rest of his stuff is in a sack slung over his shoulder. An emblem of Yondalla, the halfling pantheon’s leader, hangs from his neck.
The gith peers up toward the portal, where the elderly halfling woman who summoned it stands with two children, also halflings. "Have all your stuff, dearie? Be a good student, Jedavii, an' don't get into trouble! An' make sure to write; don' leave Cori an' Bel waiting!"
"Bye big bro!"the two children wave.
"Bye! Thanks Auntie Petals! See you all soon!"the gith waves back, before the portal closes. Jedavii looks around with a smile, waving once he sees the professor and Robin."Had to stop by the village again before classes started, good to see you, Robin. Sorry about being late, professor."
A tall, thin half-elf weaves through the crowd, quietly humming. "I'm sorry I'm late," he calls out as he approaches the group. "I ran into part of my old thespian troupe and had to say hi."He is wearing a grey tunic with white trim and blue pants, which shifts into a first year uniform as her reaches the professor.
"Ah, Mister Fairblossom and Mister Stargem as well! Excellent. We are still expecting two more, then we'll get underway. Hopefully they arrive soon..."
Robin has taken a seat by the time the portal opens and Jedavii comes through. She smiles up at him, her pack laying on the ground near her feet. "Glad to see I am not the only one running late." She offers in greeting, standing and dusting any dirt from her school uniform. She gives Marius a nod in greeting as the half-elf arrives.
There is a brief commotion as a nearby cluster of students parts to make way for a mountain of a man barrelling through with a loping stride. Pulling up to the group, he towers over them. His uniform shirt is stretched taut around his upper arms and across his pectorals, its neck pulled into a deep V that reveals a leather necklace strung with a variety of sharp-looking teeth and claws, as well as a studded leather choker that matches the bracelets at his cuffs. Jet black hair hangs down past his broad shoulders, meeting a dark grey cloak that reaches to mid-calf. Protruding from the sides of the cloak are the head of a greataxe on his right side and the tip of a shortbow on his left. His right hand is tightly balled in a fist, and in his left he is clutching a small book.
"I'm so sorry I'm late," he gushes. "I was reading,"—he waves the book in a vague gesture—"and, well, we don't really keep time to the minute in the northern mountains…" he trails off awkwardly. Glancing around the group, he seems to remember something, and extends his right arm, unclenching his fist with a visible effort, in their general direction, like someone that has heard a handshake described but never actually experienced one. "I'm Canon, of the, well, the Battleblood Clan," he offers. "…sort of", he adds, more quietly.
Marius steps forward and accepts the goliath's hand. "Marius Stargem. I've gotten lost in a book many a time myself. Glad to meet you!" His blue-grey eyes sparkle as his face splits into an easy smile.
"Mister Canon, I'm relieved to see you! It's quite alright, we have not been waiting long. We're just waiting for one more, then we will get to the orientation activities!"
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Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
Hark faintly hears his name spoken by the owlin woman who stands amid a throng of activity. "It seems I'm in the correct place," he says aloud to himself. "Excellent."
The young wizard increases his pace a bit as he approaches the professor. "Good day to you, Professor. I am Hark. Harkarian Drim. En route, I stumbled upon a discussion about a particular fractal equation, and the patterns it generates are...well...ah, this is not the time is it?"
Hark then acknowledges the other first year students who have gathered. He smiles warmly and again says, "I am Hark. Hello to each of you!"
Robin gives the other new students a tentative smile. She moves closer to Jedavii, who she knows already. "Nice to meet you all." Robin says as she gives a bit of a curtsy. "I am Robin."
Professor Sharpbeak claps her talons together. "And finally, Mister Drim! I am glad to see you have all made it safe. Without any further ado, let us get you all started on your orientation activities inside the Biblioplex. Follow me, students," She says as she passes under the main archway.
Following after her, you enter the famous Strixhaven Biblioplex. Within is a fairly wide atrium in the shape of a half-circle. To your left is a sitting area with comfortable-looking couches and tables where students, staff members, and others are relaxing, socializing, eating, and studying. Stacks of newsletters, scrolls, magazines, and other printed media rest at the end of each table, where readers can freely partake in them. Just beyond this lounge is a door leading into a small shop with Strixhaven uniforms, college-specific merchandise, textbooks, academic supplies, and more on display across a shifting illusory gallery superimposed over its glass windows. Above the door is a sign that reads "Strixhaven Student Store."
"To your left here is the Biblioplex lounge. As the name would entail, many spend their time here... lounging! It is a great place to catch up on homework, spend time with colleagues, or get a quick nap in between classes if you can't make it back to your dorm," Professor Sharpbeak explains.
To your right is another sitting area, but this one populated entirely by small tables and chairs. Students, faculty, and other Strixhaven denizens are eating delicious-looking sandwiches and drinking from steaming mugs. The smell of fresh coffee wafts out of a nearby storefront whose sign reads "Biblioplex Cafe."
"And to your right," Sharpbeak continues, "is one of the most popular spots in the building: the cafe! Here, you can enjoy a good study session or chat with friends over a hot cup of coffee or tea. There's also a different sandwich served every day; I believe today's is dragonbreath peppers and salami on a bagel."
In the center of this atrium, between the two lounges and stores, is a circular desk where robed librarians are at work organizing books, aiding students, and filling out paperwork.
"This here is an information desk, students. If ever you need assistance finding a particular text or collection within the Biblioplex's vast archive, these reference librarians will help you find exactly what you are looking for. Do take advantage of this service - it saved my feathered hide when I was completing my undergrad thesis back in the day!"
Professor Sharpbeak leads you down a wide hallway beyond the information desk and into another, even larger and wider space. Rows upon rows upon rows of tall bookshelves almost reaching the high vaulted ceilings are present in this chamber. Some shelves are even pressed up against the eastern wall, but as soon as a group of students approaches them, they magically spread out to create enough space for the students to access their stored texts. Amidst it all, tall humanoid constructs with long articulated arms roll around on elegant wheels, organizing shelves, helping students retrieve books, and reminding any rowdy groups that they must keep things down in the library. There are tables and chairs to the east and west, designated study areas where students are reading, conducting research, and sharing information. In the western study area, it appears that a group of students are pulling costumes out of old trunks while others are cobbling together eyestalks, horns, and set pieces from various mundane and magical materials. A young gnomish woman in a first year's uniform seems to be directing the activities, quickly moving from person to person in the group to check their progress. In other parts of this wide space you spot an amphitheater, an art gallery, gardens, and various other rooms. Most are lecture halls, but two of them do stand out - one is the Student Council Chamber, and the other is the Student Activities Center. Outside of the latter room, a sign reads, "Welcome First Years - Apply for Extracurriculars Here!"
Professor Sharpbeak clears her throat, drawing your attention to her before she begins to speak. "And this is the main chamber of the Biblioplex! As you can see, there is quite a lot to take in, but this is primarily an area of study. Reference librarians or our clockwork archivists can help you find what you need in terms of texts, records, and other sources of information. You can also spend some time relaxing in the book gardens, enjoy the works of visual art students and alumni in the art gallery, and every now and then there's a performance or guest master class lecture on the amphitheater stage. But... I'm sure you're much more wondering what the source of the large, glowing light behind me is, aren't you? Onward - to the Hall of Oracles!"
In the center of the Biblioplex's main chamber is a series of grand black and gold archways that leads to the Hall of Oracles. This large, circular chamber rests right under the dome of the Biblioplex. Large spheres of stone float just above the ground around the ring of the Hall, and statues of robed figures of many different races look down on those assembled in this place. Right in the center of the Hall of Oracles is a huge glowing ball of white magical energy. Wisps of radiant light streak around it like a it is a miniature sun, and a soft beam of light emerges from the bottom of it, the energy being funneled into some sort of large black conduit structure surrounded by a levitating golden ring. From the other end of the conduit, the beam continues until it flows like water into a shimmering pool of magical energy. It truly is quite the sight to behold.
"This, my dear students,"Professor Sharpbeak begins, "Is the Hall of Oracles. All of the Oracles of Arcavios are memorialized here for their service to the Founder Dragons and to the world of Arcavios. And this glorious beacon in the center of it all... is the Strixhaven Snarl. Snarls are places where conflicting magical energies are tied together, creating a tangle in the weave of magic that permeates throughout the Arcavios. They can cause magic used in their vicinity to produce uncertain effects. This very snarl has been the subject of thousands of research projects and experiments throughout Strixhaven's existence, but every time someone unlocks one secret, more and more seem to emerge. On the subject of safety, the pool of energy beneath the snarl is safe to touch, but by the Founders, do not drink it. Seriously. It did not end well for the last curious first year who tried it.
"Now, without any further ado... it is time for your orientation activities! I will be around, students, but this next step is something you must complete on your own. Best of luck, and I hope you have fun!" Professor Sharpbeak exclaims before she spreads her wings and flies out of the Hall of Oracles.
An almost sacrosanct sense of calm descends as you step into the Hall of Oracles. “Brilliant scholars,”says a rich, soothing voice radiating from the hall’s central snarl of glowing energy. “Your attention, please. As you are now Strixhaven University students, this storied Biblioplex will be your second home for research, studies, and even leisure. There is just one task to accomplish before you officially embark on your academic journey—a scavenger hunt!”
Before your very eyes, a piece of parchment manifests itself in the air. Inscribed upon it is a list of five clues.
“The rules are simple,” the voice says. “Each clue on this list will lead you to a different location in the Biblioplex. Simply travel to the area each clue references and perform the action the clue suggests. Time is of the essence. You have only until the end of the day to finish your hunt. Solve as many clues as you can, because at each location, you may win a prize! Now then, off you go!”
The clues appear to be short poems, They read:
Clue 1. You’ll forget all about any trouble or plight when you step forward and are ensnarled in light.
Clue 2. Alumni commission works when they retire, seeking promising mages to inspire.
Clue 3. Each group deserves a free treat for their investment. Serve up this list and enjoy your refreshment.
Clue 4. These leafy beds aren’t always what they seem. Give them a pat and see what you glean.
Clue 5. Some stars are ancient, enduring, and bright. But others—maybe you!—are born on opening night.
“Ooh, I hadn’t caught onto that one. Good catch!” Jedavii cheers as he chases behind Marius on his way there. “Clue 1 is the snarl itself, we’ll stop by there after!”
"The snarl is right here though." Robin says with a frown, still reading her clues when two of their number start to run off. Instead of following straight after them, she moves to the snarl and, shrugging, steps towards it.
Throughout the tour Canon has been looking around in wide-eyed wonder. Even a single shelf holds more books than he's seen in his life! And there are row after row of them! He never imagined that there could be this many books in all the planes, and he's just… allowed to read them?!
Only when the invisible voice speaks does his expression change, to one of deep confusion, but it brightens again when he reads the parchment. "Oh, riddles! I had a book of riddles once. But, wait, it looks like no-one's already written the answers on these ones. So we have to work them out ourselves? Well that certainly sounds more fun than hunting some scavengers."
As some of the others rush off, he gives Robin a questioning look. "I've only seen stars in the sky at night, how would we see them from this theatre?" he asks as he matches her step toward the snarl.
Outside the Bibloplex, Strixhaven Academy Central Campus - 11:57 AM
Three days till the beginning of the school term.
With only a few days left until the start of the semester, the Central Campus is abuzz with activity. Several students and teachers of all races and college affiliations make their way to and fro socializing, studying, and practicing magic along the lengthy roads dotted with the towering Torches of Enlightenment that stretch far into the surrounding countryside. At the heart of the Central Campus, among the hovering star arches, administration buildings, dormitories, and dining halls, lies the greatest archive of magical knowledge ever assembled: the Biblioplex. Beneath the massive floating stones that make up the star arch known as the Dawnbow, this vast, domed building welcomes inquisitive minds through doorless archways into its libraries stacked high with books from floor to ceiling. Inside this grand building, beneath its tall, vaulted ceilings, lie impossibly long hallways, chambers large enough to have their own unique weather patterns, and even pools and moat-passages that require boats to cross.
Outside of the Biblioplex, shuttles drawn by automated constructs in the shape of horses ferry students from the satellite campuses of the Five Colleges to this central location, or vice versa. Teleportation circles and portals transport advanced students or high-ranking faculty instantaneously to the library, eliminating the need to walk or take a shuttle. More still simply use their feet to walk from the dormitories in the Archway Commons or the cozy atmosphere of the Firejolt Café to get to the Biblioplex’s famed archives. All around, Silverquill students debate the dichotomy of radiance and shadow within the magic of the word; Prismari performers rehearse an elemental dance, punctuated by the percussion of roaring flame and cracking thunder; Lorehold learners pore over scrolls and discuss the terrible wars of the Blood Age; Quandrix theorists work together to study a conjured fractal equation; Witherbloom alchemists gather ingredients and sample potions and concoctions to better understand the essences of life and death. The scope of it all is staggering, but save for some of the googly-eyed first years still acclimating to the space, everyone seems completely unfazed by the sheer amount of magic and activity that permeates through Strixhaven.
Standing before the Biblioplex’s central archway is a tall, broad owlin woman with brown and white feathers dressed in a gray and white uniform, much like what the first year students wear before they pick their respective college. Her great wings are folded against her back, and she holds her round spectacles in one clawed talon while using the other to rub them with a handkerchief. As she places the glasses back on her face, Professor Mavinda Sharpbeak looks up to the sky and notes the position of the hands on a nearby clock.
“Why, it’s nearly high noon. Almost all of the first years have already completed their orientation activities… Where are you, students?" She mutters to herself as she conjures forth a piece of paper in her talons and scans it with her keen eyes. "Canon, Harkarian, Jedavii, Robin, Marius... I certainly hope they haven't gotten lost."
Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars
Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale
Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries
DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
With a frazzled expression a red-haired student runs along. She bumps into a couple students as she does, calling back apologies, but knowing she is already late. Her red hair is tied back in a long braid, and she wears her school uniform, though it clinks and clanks as she runs, giving away the fact there are plates of metal sewn into the cloth. Those plates give her a more boyish look than one would expect from a lovely woman, but they also help protect some from those dangers one might encounter in a magical place like this. The pack she wears bounces and jangles as well, her school supplies rattling around inside as she moves with such haste. She rushes up to the meeting location, huffing slightly. "Sorry, Professor Sharpbeak." Robin gasps out. "I went to the wrong archway, and only managed to get directions to here a minute or so ago."
Professor Sharpbeak lets out a sigh of relief as she lays eyes on Robin. "Miss Holdcrest, there you are! I was starting to get worried. Don't worry, orientation activities are still going on, and some of your peers are tardy as well. We'll wait for them here... Please, take off your pack and sit down a spell, you must be exhausted."
Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars
Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale
Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries
DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
A portal tears open above the walkway, catching the attention of nearby students as they move out of its path. From the portal emerges a yellowish-green humanoid with pointy ears, white hair pulled into dreadlocks, toned muscles, and a maul and greatsword on his back. The rest of his stuff is in a sack slung over his shoulder. An emblem of Yondalla, the halfling pantheon’s leader, hangs from his neck.
The gith peers up toward the portal, where the elderly halfling woman who summoned it stands with two children, also halflings. "Have all your stuff, dearie? Be a good student, Jedavii, an' don't get into trouble! An' make sure to write; don' leave Cori an' Bel waiting!"
"Bye big bro!" the two children wave.
"Bye! Thanks Auntie Petals! See you all soon!" the gith waves back, before the portal closes. Jedavii looks around with a smile, waving once he sees the professor and Robin. "Had to stop by the village again before classes started, good to see you, Robin. Sorry about being late, professor."
Aruzhal - Lv 1 Tempest Cleric - Planescape: Lost
A tall, thin half-elf weaves through the crowd, quietly humming. "I'm sorry I'm late," he calls out as he approaches the group. "I ran into part of my old thespian troupe and had to say hi." He is wearing a grey tunic with white trim and blue pants, which shifts into a first year uniform as her reaches the professor.
"Ah, Mister Fairblossom and Mister Stargem as well! Excellent. We are still expecting two more, then we'll get underway. Hopefully they arrive soon..."
Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars
Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale
Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries
DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
Robin has taken a seat by the time the portal opens and Jedavii comes through. She smiles up at him, her pack laying on the ground near her feet. "Glad to see I am not the only one running late." She offers in greeting, standing and dusting any dirt from her school uniform. She gives Marius a nod in greeting as the half-elf arrives.
There is a brief commotion as a nearby cluster of students parts to make way for a mountain of a man barrelling through with a loping stride. Pulling up to the group, he towers over them. His uniform shirt is stretched taut around his upper arms and across his pectorals, its neck pulled into a deep V that reveals a leather necklace strung with a variety of sharp-looking teeth and claws, as well as a studded leather choker that matches the bracelets at his cuffs. Jet black hair hangs down past his broad shoulders, meeting a dark grey cloak that reaches to mid-calf. Protruding from the sides of the cloak are the head of a greataxe on his right side and the tip of a shortbow on his left. His right hand is tightly balled in a fist, and in his left he is clutching a small book.
"I'm so sorry I'm late," he gushes. "I was reading,"—he waves the book in a vague gesture—"and, well, we don't really keep time to the minute in the northern mountains…" he trails off awkwardly. Glancing around the group, he seems to remember something, and extends his right arm, unclenching his fist with a visible effort, in their general direction, like someone that has heard a handshake described but never actually experienced one. "I'm Canon, of the, well, the Battleblood Clan," he offers. "…sort of", he adds, more quietly.
Marius steps forward and accepts the goliath's hand. "Marius Stargem. I've gotten lost in a book many a time myself. Glad to meet you!" His blue-grey eyes sparkle as his face splits into an easy smile.
"Mister Canon, I'm relieved to see you! It's quite alright, we have not been waiting long. We're just waiting for one more, then we will get to the orientation activities!"
Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars
Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale
Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries
DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
Hark faintly hears his name spoken by the owlin woman who stands amid a throng of activity. "It seems I'm in the correct place," he says aloud to himself. "Excellent."
The young wizard increases his pace a bit as he approaches the professor. "Good day to you, Professor. I am Hark. Harkarian Drim. En route, I stumbled upon a discussion about a particular fractal equation, and the patterns it generates are...well...ah, this is not the time is it?"
Hark then acknowledges the other first year students who have gathered. He smiles warmly and again says, "I am Hark. Hello to each of you!"
“Heya Hark, Marius, Canon. Good to meet y’all!” the friendly gith waves. “I’m Jedavii.”
Aruzhal - Lv 1 Tempest Cleric - Planescape: Lost
Robin gives the other new students a tentative smile. She moves closer to Jedavii, who she knows already. "Nice to meet you all." Robin says as she gives a bit of a curtsy. "I am Robin."
Professor Sharpbeak claps her talons together. "And finally, Mister Drim! I am glad to see you have all made it safe. Without any further ado, let us get you all started on your orientation activities inside the Biblioplex. Follow me, students," She says as she passes under the main archway.
Following after her, you enter the famous Strixhaven Biblioplex. Within is a fairly wide atrium in the shape of a half-circle. To your left is a sitting area with comfortable-looking couches and tables where students, staff members, and others are relaxing, socializing, eating, and studying. Stacks of newsletters, scrolls, magazines, and other printed media rest at the end of each table, where readers can freely partake in them. Just beyond this lounge is a door leading into a small shop with Strixhaven uniforms, college-specific merchandise, textbooks, academic supplies, and more on display across a shifting illusory gallery superimposed over its glass windows. Above the door is a sign that reads "Strixhaven Student Store."
"To your left here is the Biblioplex lounge. As the name would entail, many spend their time here... lounging! It is a great place to catch up on homework, spend time with colleagues, or get a quick nap in between classes if you can't make it back to your dorm," Professor Sharpbeak explains.
To your right is another sitting area, but this one populated entirely by small tables and chairs. Students, faculty, and other Strixhaven denizens are eating delicious-looking sandwiches and drinking from steaming mugs. The smell of fresh coffee wafts out of a nearby storefront whose sign reads "Biblioplex Cafe."
"And to your right," Sharpbeak continues, "is one of the most popular spots in the building: the cafe! Here, you can enjoy a good study session or chat with friends over a hot cup of coffee or tea. There's also a different sandwich served every day; I believe today's is dragonbreath peppers and salami on a bagel."
In the center of this atrium, between the two lounges and stores, is a circular desk where robed librarians are at work organizing books, aiding students, and filling out paperwork.
"This here is an information desk, students. If ever you need assistance finding a particular text or collection within the Biblioplex's vast archive, these reference librarians will help you find exactly what you are looking for. Do take advantage of this service - it saved my feathered hide when I was completing my undergrad thesis back in the day!"
Professor Sharpbeak leads you down a wide hallway beyond the information desk and into another, even larger and wider space. Rows upon rows upon rows of tall bookshelves almost reaching the high vaulted ceilings are present in this chamber. Some shelves are even pressed up against the eastern wall, but as soon as a group of students approaches them, they magically spread out to create enough space for the students to access their stored texts. Amidst it all, tall humanoid constructs with long articulated arms roll around on elegant wheels, organizing shelves, helping students retrieve books, and reminding any rowdy groups that they must keep things down in the library. There are tables and chairs to the east and west, designated study areas where students are reading, conducting research, and sharing information. In the western study area, it appears that a group of students are pulling costumes out of old trunks while others are cobbling together eyestalks, horns, and set pieces from various mundane and magical materials. A young gnomish woman in a first year's uniform seems to be directing the activities, quickly moving from person to person in the group to check their progress. In other parts of this wide space you spot an amphitheater, an art gallery, gardens, and various other rooms. Most are lecture halls, but two of them do stand out - one is the Student Council Chamber, and the other is the Student Activities Center. Outside of the latter room, a sign reads, "Welcome First Years - Apply for Extracurriculars Here!"
Professor Sharpbeak clears her throat, drawing your attention to her before she begins to speak. "And this is the main chamber of the Biblioplex! As you can see, there is quite a lot to take in, but this is primarily an area of study. Reference librarians or our clockwork archivists can help you find what you need in terms of texts, records, and other sources of information. You can also spend some time relaxing in the book gardens, enjoy the works of visual art students and alumni in the art gallery, and every now and then there's a performance or guest master class lecture on the amphitheater stage. But... I'm sure you're much more wondering what the source of the large, glowing light behind me is, aren't you? Onward - to the Hall of Oracles!"
In the center of the Biblioplex's main chamber is a series of grand black and gold archways that leads to the Hall of Oracles. This large, circular chamber rests right under the dome of the Biblioplex. Large spheres of stone float just above the ground around the ring of the Hall, and statues of robed figures of many different races look down on those assembled in this place. Right in the center of the Hall of Oracles is a huge glowing ball of white magical energy. Wisps of radiant light streak around it like a it is a miniature sun, and a soft beam of light emerges from the bottom of it, the energy being funneled into some sort of large black conduit structure surrounded by a levitating golden ring. From the other end of the conduit, the beam continues until it flows like water into a shimmering pool of magical energy. It truly is quite the sight to behold.
"This, my dear students," Professor Sharpbeak begins, "Is the Hall of Oracles. All of the Oracles of Arcavios are memorialized here for their service to the Founder Dragons and to the world of Arcavios. And this glorious beacon in the center of it all... is the Strixhaven Snarl. Snarls are places where conflicting magical energies are tied together, creating a tangle in the weave of magic that permeates throughout the Arcavios. They can cause magic used in their vicinity to produce uncertain effects. This very snarl has been the subject of thousands of research projects and experiments throughout Strixhaven's existence, but every time someone unlocks one secret, more and more seem to emerge. On the subject of safety, the pool of energy beneath the snarl is safe to touch, but by the Founders, do not drink it. Seriously. It did not end well for the last curious first year who tried it.
"Now, without any further ado... it is time for your orientation activities! I will be around, students, but this next step is something you must complete on your own. Best of luck, and I hope you have fun!" Professor Sharpbeak exclaims before she spreads her wings and flies out of the Hall of Oracles.
An almost sacrosanct sense of calm descends as you step into the Hall of Oracles. “Brilliant scholars,” says a rich, soothing voice radiating from the hall’s central snarl of glowing energy. “Your attention, please. As you are now Strixhaven University students, this storied Biblioplex will be your second home for research, studies, and even leisure. There is just one task to accomplish before you officially embark on your academic journey—a scavenger hunt!”
Before your very eyes, a piece of parchment manifests itself in the air. Inscribed upon it is a list of five clues.
“The rules are simple,” the voice says. “Each clue on this list will lead you to a different location in the Biblioplex. Simply travel to the area each clue references and perform the action the clue suggests. Time is of the essence. You have only until the end of the day to finish your hunt. Solve as many clues as you can, because at each location, you may win a prize! Now then, off you go!”
The clues appear to be short poems, They read:
Clue 1. You’ll forget all about any trouble or plight when you step forward and are ensnarled in light.
Clue 2. Alumni commission works when they retire, seeking promising mages to inspire.
Clue 3. Each group deserves a free treat for their investment. Serve up this list and enjoy your refreshment.
Clue 4. These leafy beds aren’t always what they seem. Give them a pat and see what you glean.
Clue 5. Some stars are ancient, enduring, and bright. But others—maybe you!—are born on opening night.
Celica Maloraen | Twilight Domain Cleric 5 | Wildemount Irregulars
Jasper Finch | Fighter 1 | Curious Critters - A Tal'Dorei Tale
Amaris Tell | Order of Scribes Wizard 3 | Baldur's Gate Mysteries
DM | Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
The second Marius hears clue 5, he lights up. "Opening night! That has to be a theatre reference! To the amphitheater!"
“Ooh, I hadn’t caught onto that one. Good catch!” Jedavii cheers as he chases behind Marius on his way there. “Clue 1 is the snarl itself, we’ll stop by there after!”
Aruzhal - Lv 1 Tempest Cleric - Planescape: Lost
"Ah, a team effort!" Hark remarks to no one in particular. "As they say, 'In many heads there is much wisdom.'"
Motioning for Robin and Canon to follow suit, Hark follows Marius and Jedavii.
"The snarl is right here though." Robin says with a frown, still reading her clues when two of their number start to run off. Instead of following straight after them, she moves to the snarl and, shrugging, steps towards it.
Throughout the tour Canon has been looking around in wide-eyed wonder. Even a single shelf holds more books than he's seen in his life! And there are row after row of them! He never imagined that there could be this many books in all the planes, and he's just… allowed to read them?!
Only when the invisible voice speaks does his expression change, to one of deep confusion, but it brightens again when he reads the parchment. "Oh, riddles! I had a book of riddles once. But, wait, it looks like no-one's already written the answers on these ones. So we have to work them out ourselves? Well that certainly sounds more fun than hunting some scavengers."
As some of the others rush off, he gives Robin a questioning look. "I've only seen stars in the sky at night, how would we see them from this theatre?" he asks as he matches her step toward the snarl.
Jedavii calls back to Canon: “Opening night! Performance stars! Theater! We’ll let ya know if we find something and be right back!”
Aruzhal - Lv 1 Tempest Cleric - Planescape: Lost