The purple-skinned tiefling would approach the owlin at the information desk, hoping to get his attention, speaking softly and quietly. "Pardon me, I am a visitor from Strixhaven. Is there someone that can give me a quick tour of your fine library, or somewhere I can read about how it is organized?" He asks with a polite smile.

Persuasion to make a good impression: 12

"Not surprised, with everyone at the gymnastics meet", Guardok replies to Lesviel. "And the others won't be back until tomorrow I don't think. Enjoy the peace whilst you can", he says with a chuckle.

When he gets to rehearsals, he enthusiastically greets Rubina and Quentillius.

"The gymnastics was great. Took a bit of getting used to the fact I wasn't supposed to perform for the crowd, just do my routines perfectly, though. But the team one the day, and I even picked up a medal, although not a first place one this time", he replies.

"How have you both been? I bet you're both pleased I will be able to focus on the acting now", he adds with a grin.

Mae browsed for quite a while, feeling mostly unsatisfied with what she saw, but then she found simple blue dress that matched her eye color, fairly low cut but still tasteful, a single solitary small blue gem embedded right at the bottom of the cut of the top on her chest. A silky sash acted like a decorative belt and hung off the side. She then walked through the jewelers and eventually settled on a bracelet with a fish design in it, made of silver, and put it in her bag for later. She hurried back to the inn, stopping for something to eat on the way, nothing heavy, a sandwich and juice, put her bracelet purchase away and changed clothes for the ballet, catching a carriage ride with Knap to head to the theater for the evening's performance.

(Feel free to suggest however much that all cost :) )

The simple dress that finally caught Mae's eye turned out to be just 14 gp.  The silver bracelet was 10 gp.  

When the time comes for Mae to head off for the ballet, Mei continues to shop.  Eventually she makes it to The Grand Bazaar. It is a vast space filled with more shops and stalls than you could possibly count. And more than you can possibly get to before the day is done.  There is quite an array of things for sale. Food items, cloth, clothing, and artwork. A number of places have jewelry, from inexpensive ones made of string and colored stones to fancier jeweled pieces. A few spots have scrolls or books on various subjects, though many of them to seem to focus on poetry.  Now and then you see a place with specialized tools and even weapons. Amongst the more interesting items to see are the animals. A fennec fox appearing like a little fox with oversized ears. A pangolin with orangish-brown scales on the outside.  A couple of birds with wildly bright colorings.  And one man has some very small monkeys that he has taught to do various tricks.  

In terms of souvenirs, there are any number of little carvings of things amongst the shops.  You find a variety of teas at a few different shops, and put together which are more local one that you hadn't heard much about before.  There are a few other food items that seem regional - small little cookies made from ground up local berries.  And a number of shortbreads that seem to be local specialties.  Some are plain and some flavored with locals herbs and spices.  

Mei also is able to find a number of silken items. Most of the fancier dresses run at least 20 gp, though you do notice a number of people haggling.  Scarves are ubiquitous and come in almost any variety imaginable.  There are many very nice ones for only 1 gp.  As for the... well... other sort of garments...  you eventually realize that while not every shop has such things, many do have them discretely displayed somewhere. 

"A tour?" the owlin at the information desk says to Malvyn. "I'm afraid we really don't do that except for by special arrangement for visiting scholars. If there is a particular topic you are looking for, I can help point in the right direction. Or I can direct you to the registry if you wish to try and research where specific books are kept."  He stares back at you as he waits for an answer.  If the tiefling does have a specific topic, he is quickly able to direct you, and you move to the appropriate section.  You have quite a while to browse through the books or scrolls and try to find something that strikes your interest.  As you move amongst the rows, you can see various nooks here and there with chairs and small tables where you might be able to sit and read and take notes.  And there are a number of comfortable looking chairs where you might just sit and read.  

Back at the hotel, Mae meets up with Knap.  After your shopping excursion you had seen a number of places and knew exactly where to go for a light meal. The sandwich and juice are quite delicious as you then make your way to the theater.  It's a fairly direct ride by carriage to get there.  The theater is an impressive building with wide columns supporting the covering of a grand entryway.  All of the stone architecture is ornately decorated. For the moment you don't see Malvyn there yet. 

Lesviel gives Guardok a light laugh. "Yes, I suppose I should enjoy the quiet. But it is strange with so few of you about."  

At the rehearsal, Quentillius seems impressed. "You won a medal? That seems pretty good.  Good for you Guardok."  It's hard to tell if he's just being condescending, but he does seem to be at least a little appreciative of your accomplishment.  Rubina is more enthusiastic in her response. "I'm very happy for you! I know how hard you work at things, so it's great to see you achieve that."  She even gives you a quick hug, before stepping back and straightening out her costume. "I think we have a few minutes until our call. How about we run a few lines for a bit, Guardok?" 

Guardok decides to take Quentillius's congratulations at face value, and nods his gratitude.

His grey stony cheeks turn a little red after Rubina gives him the quick hug.

"Thanks you two. I did work hard, but it still showed I have a lot to learn. But anyway, time to focus on the play now. getting back into the zone with a few lines sounds great".

He shakes himself loose and repeats a tongue twister of his devising a couple of times to prepare.

"Frequent Freestone's Festival of Fascination for feverishly flying frogs".

((Persuasion to haggle down the cost of things: Nat 20 + 1 + 2 (guidance) 23))

In awe of the size and liveliness of the market--like the beating heart of the city itself--Mei wanders through as though in a dream. With hours to spend there, she tries to pace herself while also not giving herself enough of a rest that she might fall asleep somewhere. She stops to sample food and drinks, listening closely to how tourists and locals alike haggle with on another. Finding herself to be a natural at it, she quickly fills her bag with purchased teas, cookies, and carvings for her siblings and floor/teammates. She also purchases a book of poetry for Malvyn. 

For herself, she buys a scarf in a traditional Silkmeadow pattern before, after some indecision, doubling back to the... unmentionables she spotted earlier on. Though her first instinct had been to buy a cute babydoll dress in lilac, Mei remembered how elegant Maeleve looked in her dress--like a sophisticated woman fully in tune with her femininity; with her needs and desires. Mei, with her pigtail braids and pastel florals, hardly presented an aura of maturity. And so, she decides to purchase a rather risqué black lace piece, which she quickly hides at the bottom of her bag. 

She'll continue to walk the market, taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells for the remainder of the evening before attempting to find her way back to the hotel. 

The purple-skinned tiefling nods and thanks the owlin at the information desk, deciding to go for the registry to see if there were any esoteric materials regarding Daemogoths or related topics.

Investigation if needed: 11

Knap tags along with Mae to the ballet, occasionally adding little ballerina hops to his steps along the way. He chit chats during the carriage ride, eyes full of street lantern light. When they arrive Knap whips a whistle from his lips at the grandeur of the theatre. 

“how ‘bout that?! Pretty flash.” Knap says a cleaned up, rather dapping when he runs a comb through his beard. 

”I wonder if they do popcorn. Let’s go Mae” Knap begins approaching the theatre forgetting the others might be coming.  

Guardok is able to get back into the swing of things running a few lines with Rubina before it's time for him to take the stage for rehearsal.  Everything seems to be coming together well. There are still a few points here and there to iron out, but everyone in the cast seems to be doing quite well.   Soon the rehearsal is over, at least until the next one tomorrow! 

Afterward, Rubina asks, "What are you up to this evening? I'd heard most of your roommates were off in Silkmeadow still.  I'd love for you to join me at the Bow's End for a quick meal."  Out of nowhere, Quentillius appears. "I'd love to join you for a bite to eat! Meet in an hour?" he asks the two of you.

 The owlin at the information desk is able to point Malvyn towards the registry.  It is located through the archway on the ground floor.  As you step through, you see a number of scrolls which appear to be mostly descriptions of relatively recent events.  To one side is the vast catalog of materials making up the registry.  You do indeed find an entry on a volume dedicated to Daemogoths. It takes you another few moments to translate the location into directions you can follow.  It appears to be two floors up in a section on exotic and unusual creatures. 

You go there and are soon able to locate the book. It's not too large of a book, but does seem to have over 100 pages.  

Knap and Mae are able to step inside the lobby of the performance hall as they wait for Malvyn.  He's really not running late yet, as you made good time in arriving.  Glancing about you see that there are various beverages for sale at little counters placed in a few spots throughout the hall.  No indication of popped corn being available though. And the signage makes it clear that any snacks or beverages are for during the show or intermission and not to be brought to your seats. 

With Mei's bargaining prowess, she is able to keep her purchases down to only 8 gp, with her black lace piece accounting for the largest part of the price.  The market does seem to have a different character as the evening gets later.  But it certainly remains full of life. You seem to mass more little groups playing music, with dancers traveling along with the musicians. Stalls have heated drinks, many with alcohol, to help drive off the light chill that comes to the air.  There is also a noticeable haze in some quarters as people seem to be smoking various intoxicants or burning incense with different rich aromatic scents. 

As the night grows later, there is a moment where you sense that many of the fun-loving folk are starting to dwindle. There's still a fairly decent number of people about, but they seem a bit darker perhaps.  Stalls selling things to eat, drink, or otherwise consume remain open, but none of the merchants selling goods are still about.  A few barkers are out now as well, extolling the virtues of some ancient source of power that can improve people's lives. Or calling to join strange religions you've not heard of before.  There is certainly a bit of dark mystery in the air. 

Having some previous knowledge about this subject, Malvyn would try to use available time to find out more before hurrying over to the theater, realizing he had forgotten to get something for Aurora, hoping to find some gothic black accessory for her performer outfit, like a black rose of some fashion to be fastened somewhere suitable. As he eventually reaches the performace hall he quickly looks around to find his companions.

Mae headed inside with Knap and looked around, feeling the rush of the upcoming performance sink into her, making her feel a bit more at home than not. "I think we're still a bit early so I wouldn't worry too much yet. But I don't see anything saying popcorn. What is that? I don't think they want us eating inside the hall itself anyway." She smiled though and watched the various patrons coming in and refixed her hair a little. "It is a gorgeous theater though, been a long time since I've been in one feels like."

Mei had every intention of making her way back to the hotel, but finds herself drawn further into the market--a moth to the flame--as it shifts into a mysterious, dark mirror of its sunlit self. Naive to the risk, she meanders curiously through the streets and listen to the barkers for any indication between truth and scam. She also keeps a look out for any diviners offering their services, especially near the quarter with the intoxicants. It's no secret amongst seers that certain substances can further expand upon the mind's eye. 


((If needed, Insight to tell which barkers are scammers and which aren't: 15 +4 (guidance) 19
Or to find other diviners offering readings of any sort: 20)) 

"Yeah, I don't think they will be back until tomorrow", Guardok confirms after Quentillius joins them. "You know what, dinner at the Bow's End sounds great. It's about time I had an evening of relaxing. I wonder if anyone we know is performing", he ponders as he gathers his things. The only one he really knows who performs regularly is Aurora.

"See you in an hour", he says to Rubina, assuming she had agreed to the plan. "You heading back to Dresar?", he asks Quentillius, happy to walk back with him. He thinks back to when he first met the red haired human, and how they had clashed. He did not for a moment back then think they would become friends. Of course, Quentillius hadn't had much choice in the matter, considering Guardok had made it his mission to make him lighten up. And they were kind of forced to get on, or at least act like it, due to the Drama Guild.

Malvyn tries to quickly skim the information in the book, though obviously he cannot get through all of it.  He does find some historical information that seems to indicate finding a Daemgoth deep in the Sedgemoor Swamp. There are descriptions of the beings, which have a rather other-worldly appearance. The book indicates their origins are not precisely known but they may be aberrations.  

There is further description of their abilities. The seem to be able to magically apply both force damage and psychic damage by developing fear in their foes. They can grow in power over time, and it is said they can become Daemogoth Titans, immense creatures that create immense terror all about them. However, it also describes people who have gained the ability to freely cast spells from these beings. The more powerful the creature the more powerful the spells.  And some even report receiving special magical boons from a Daemogoth.  You do not see anything specific about how to do this, but it seems that it involves impression or gaining the interest of the creature.  (Examples are things like Vampiric Touch or Bestow Curse and even gaining added wisdom or intelligence. 

After the hasty reading session, the tiefling heads out to make his way towards The Silkmeadow Theater.  As you near the place, you do see a few shops around and stop to take a look through a few of them. There is one place where you spot a rather ornate purple-black rose pin that catches your eye, but it is priced at 20 gold. (Probably due to the gem it is made from.) Just as you are about to give up, you do note an interesting rose made of some sort of cloth or paper.  It is a deep black but also oddly translucent - you assume perhaps some minor magic might be involved.  It is shaped to look like a single rose bloom fashioned as part of a simple necklace.  It is 8 sp. 

Mae and Knap get a number of looks from the various patrons as they mill about the lobby.  They certainly are not out of place as many others are nicely dressed like they are.  Though certainly they are amongst the ones that stand out in their elegance.  The food seems to consist mostly of small pastries, chocolates, and candies.  No signs of popcorn.  It's approaching the time the seating will be opened when Malvyn finally rushes in to meet them. 

Rubina does indeed agree to Guadok's plan to meet at the Bow's End in an hour. "I think Aurora will be performing tonight. Though I'm not sure." Quentillius agrees to walk back to Dresar Hall with him. "The play is coming along quite well. I think for a novice you've done quite well.  Performing an actual show is different, but you seem like you know what you're getting into."  As you walk, he continues to talk. "Do you think your floormates will be coming to the show?" 

Guardok nods, "I found that with the gymnastics as well. I like performing, and the circus has some similar skills, but it really isn't the same. I guess the play will be the same".

When asked if his floor mates would be coming, he replies, "Is that a general question or are you wondering about one floormate in particular?". He gives Quentilliues a little elbow nudge in the thigh, which is as high as his elbow reaches, and gives him a devilish smile.

Malvyn takes a moment to decide but soon counts up 20 pieces of gold for the ornate purple-black rose pin, seeing no better way to spend the earnings from his work at the Biblioplex.

The purple-skinned tiefling is relieved to find Knap and Mae in the theater lobby. "I'm not too late am I? Did you get tickets already?" He says to his friends, looking around for some kind of ticket booth.

Mei thinks that the barker speaking about some ancient source of power seems to have some sort of ulterior motive. The others mostly seem to at least believe what they are saying. One that catches your attention seems to offer a ritual of meditation and relaxation in devotion to a goddess named Disyn.  The woman speaking makes promises of heightened senses and being more alert, even without much sleep.  

You look about and see a couple of people that you think are likely more performers than actual diviners. They have props but you sense no real purpose to them. And their words are more generic platitudes than much insight.  You do finally see a small curtained off spot where you catch a glimpse just as an older gentleman steps out.  Inside is a woman not much older than you are.  Her dark hair is not that long and is braided.  She seems to be handling some sort of tiles, but with an intent that seems familiar. But as soon as you get picture, the curtain falls back and is gone.  The spot is amidst a narrow isle that sells many different drinks - you presume intoxicants. And the area is filled with a rich incense which clouds much of the space. 

(As a Arcavios native, would the goddess Disyn ring a bell for Mei?)

Mei frowns as she passes the charlatan "seers," though stops in her tracks at sight of the dark haired woman. The temptation to seek out a reading is strong, despite the warnings from her grandmother about a diviner having their own fate divined by another. Surely it's just one of the old oracle's many superstitions.

But when words of a goddess and sleep reach her ears, her attention is pulled away. She does love a good ritual.

Knap and Mae had been able to get tickets at a small desk just as they stepped into the lobby. Malvyn can easily pick up a ticket that will put him sitting right with them without much trouble.  You hear a small bell ring and the doors into the main auditorium open up.  For now it is but a small glimpse, but you see ornate wood paneling and the large velvety curtain drawn across the front of the stage at this point. 

(Disyn is not a goddess Mei has ever heard of. Unless it's a local name for some other goddess, it seems like perhaps just a quirky goddess with a small following.)

As Mei almost starts to head towards the dark-haired seer, she starts to notice a rich smell from the smoke. It starts to cause something in her head to tingle just a little bit. You are perhaps right that there was some sort of component that might enhance the senses of divination.  She steps away as she is pulled away by the words about Disyn.  And as she moves out from the smoke it is almost as though her senses for the real word suddenly sharpen.  

The particular woman that Mei sees speaking of Disyn appears to have blonde hair.  But it has also been colored in to have tips and even a few strands of black mingled in.  "My Lady is a servant of day and night," she says. "For the day contains both, and both should be used to full benefit.  Come join us, and learn who to make your nights fruitful and still make your days productive as well! It is a miracle that the goddess has given us. And she can show you as well!" 

The promise of days and nights spent equally--of a way to avoid sacrificing her wakeful hours to the Dreaming at night--feels like one of the fables from Mei's childhood. About a fox and a crow, and mice and trap, and the things that are too good to be true. But... surely it couldn't hurt to at least hear a little more about that too-good-to-be-true thing. Right?

The cards at her hip thrum with disagreement.

Mei approaches the woman who invokes both day and night with her bi-colored hair. "Does your Lady share her miracle with just, um... anyone?" she asks.


(If it gets to be too much juggling us all being in different locations, DM, I'm fine with a summary of the rest of the trip to get them back to Strixhaven and all in the same place again! Whatever is easier on you as we head into holiday season!)