((Whats the rule with varient class features?))

At the mention of 'Heros of Gustion' Kallista shifts down lower in her seat.

Though he didn't really do much to earn the title of hero, Hyre can at least use it to his advantage. Choosing to deepen his understanding of the spellcraft, Hyre goes to study the science of the artifice. (Chose to go with Artificer. Might be a bit rough with only 14 in INT, but he'll manage.) He might study the Skell they captured, but for now, he focuses on the simpler studies. He should know the basics first before he moves on to the more complicated things.
Despite spending most of his time studying in one way or another, he doesn't let down on practising his cooking skills with Hana. At first, he was only good at preparing the ingredients. Now, he can make food like a professional, relieving some of the stress off Hana, allowing her to spend more time with Geoffrey... or something. (For starting feat, I chose Chef. It's unfortunate that it only boosts Con/Wis and not INT, but it was still the best-fitting feat I could think of.)
Speaking of romance, as expected, it's the one field Hyre doesn't excel at. He doesn't have many chances to be with Barna, spending all his time studying, cooking, or training with his bird. 

---

"The academy? I don't think they'll want to study anything. I might be a bad judge of character, but they seemed happy living from performance to performance." Hyre states his opinion. Unlike the others, he doesn't really drink anything. Also, he doesn't really feel comfortable with the "heroes of Guiston" matter. That he's now allowed to study is great, but he knows he doesn't really deserve all the attention. He didn't do anything. "I think the best way to help them would be to have Lazlo perform with them, but I'm sure they'll make it even without him, eventually."

((ooc: as far as hit points Kina do you want us to roll in the game thread, use the honor system, or take the average?))

Lazlo turns toward Hyre. "Hey there Hyre- so now that trouble has died down for a bit, what do you hope to learn? I bet you'd make a great... well a great anything that demands discipline and dedication."  Lazlo hiccups into his mug. "And Aelar- what are your plans? Of course we know the pairing of you and Raia will happen (and congratulations for that) but.. what else? What should we all do moving forward to help the people of Hon?" Last, he turns to Kallista and says quietly so that none but the table hear "You, Kal- most of all deserve our praise. I dunno how you did this thing but without you I'd be bones in a box. Bones... in... ah box. Remind me not to let my bones end up in a box, please? You shy away from accolades and applause- and that to me is pretty sodding impressive." This last sentence is said in a quiet whisper, so that even those at the table have to strain to hear. "cheers to you,  sister horn"   he says tapping his horns "and thanks for saving us all."  The satyr tips his glass up slightly so as not to attract attention. "Cheers to us all..." he hiccups. 

Aelar nods along with Lazlo.  "Yes, sister.  So grateful to you, sister.  You saved us all!"  He too keeps his voice, for all the fierceness of his words and takes a sip.  Turning to Hyre, he says, "I don't think Carrie and her brothers want to study anything.  I think they want to perform for the students and earn some coin.  I'm all for that."

He eyes Lazlo for a moment before answering him.  "Lazlo, I'll be studying magic and history, particularly the history of the last dragon-bonded rider who was a dwarf.  He was a warlock...that's a kind of wizard that gets his powers from the kind of bond--and thank you very much--I have with Raia.  Fascinating stuff, what we've already learned, right Hyre?"  He says with a look at this fellow student of things arcane.  "As for our families from Hon, like all of you I'm as determined as ever to rescue them.  So, in addition to the magical learning, I'm still practicing why my Serpent's Tongue, a sword, bow...anything to keep myself ready."

(Okay, I must ask. In this thread, 8 different people have posted. Even assuming all 8 voted in the polls above - which is unlikely considering the polls exist because one of the eight disappeared - how did we get to 10 votes at the moment? Do people just enter random threads and vote their polls?)

(Oh, also, at what point in time is this conversation taking place? I understand it to be something around a couple of weeks after the attack, but maybe you thought otherwise? Just wanted to make sure we're on the same page.)

Hyre isn't sure what's the point of Aelar and Lazlo's encouragement. As far as he understood, Kallista didn't like the attention being drawn to her. It seemed like the best way to deal with that was to not pay her any special attention they normally wouldn't. But, perhaps he was wrong. Maybe he read the situation wrong, or maybe his solution is wrong. He doesn't say anything about the matter.

"Doesn't the academy cost tuition for most students?" Hyre looks puzzled. "Or books, ink, materials... things they need to pay just to study. I doubt many will have a lot of coins to spare." He shrugs. "But, if you think it's a good idea, I won't object. I'm just saying I don't find this the best solution, though I lack the information and experience in those matters to come up with a better one myself."
Turning back to Lazlo, he responds: "Various things, but the academy has their own way of doing things. The one thing I wanted to invest in the most is the way magic interacts with materials, like the labours or the Skell's armour. Still, I take history classes with Aelar. It's like we each specialise in something, but the foundations seem to be more or less the same." He sighs when Lazlo mentions Hon. "To tell the truth, I'm not really looking into that. I barely have any spare time not studying, cooking, training the bird or sleeping, if I get the chance. I barely even have time to visit Barna in her studies. I tried learning a few simple weapons for some time, but I had to drop that eventually. I could probably use them if I have to, but honestly, who can't figure out how to use a spear or a dagger with just a bit of training? It's not that I don't want to rescue everyone; I just can't give it much thought and time at the moment."

((Wolf: Sorry, no gifting successes. They represent each character's individual efforts to finish their training and growth. Sometimes, ya gotta let the dice just be the dice. Also, you can pick any of the patrons you want, since dragons in Aden are considerably different than vanilla 5e dragons. Choose whichever suits your build the best.

Bacon: Variant class features for the most part are fine, just tell me what you want and I'll take a peek to see if it fits in with the story world.

Deebs: You may use the standard or roll, and I'm happy enough using the honor system when it comes to determining HP. FYI, for any NPC party members, I use standard HP numbers.

Firecat: I haven't even been looking at the polls, heh! I'm a little annoyed that I haven't been able to take them down or get the mods to remove them. Anyway, I'll be looking over folks to join in. to make sure they mesh well with our story-driven narrative first and foremost. Also, this conversation is taking place a week after the attack, let's say. Time enough for order to be restored, but not so long that it could be considered a drastic time skip, and certainly still in the time period where the heroic notoriety of the party is still strong.

No more rolling for successes until the time skip either; the dice you rolled to finish off any skills/ability score progress  represents your character's final growth until reaching full maturity throughout the remainder of their formal training.

I hope that answers all questions.))

Raia plunks herself down among the group after having dealt with some official city business. Turns out the wisdom of a dragon's judgement is welcome in a town recovering from a surprise attack.
"About the people of Hon... I believe I have a plan for that.." she says.
"I've been pouring over the old archives and every text on spellcraft I can find, and there is nothing that has helped me understand what's holding me back from shifting into my full form. The best I can do is sprout a tail, horns, and claws. I have all my normal strengths, I just... can't fly or breathe my fire at full fury. I don't even know if it's permanent or temporary." she explains.
"So... with that in mind, I was thinking, why don't I try and do the opposite of what Atetra did? Insert myself into the imprisoned population? We know where they last had their thralls working... I can track them from there and at least attempt to slip in unnoticed and keep an eye on everyone, make sure everyone stays safe until a proper rescue can be attempted. It will also help me better understand the kind of mind control the Skell are using... and, after Aelar and I are fully bonded, we can keep in constant contact." she suggests.
"I can escape easily on my own if they find me out, and it should be a fairly simple matter to fool their guards, even if it takes months to organize a rescue. It may also help ease your worries and allow you to focus on your teachings, knowing that they're safe."

Kallista shrugs at the praise, "I was just helping," she says, digging through her rock bag. "Just like you guys."

Quote from KinaJardine >>

((Wolf: Sorry, no gifting successes. They represent each character's individual efforts to finish their training and growth. Sometimes, ya gotta let the dice just be the dice. Also, you can pick any of the patrons you want, since dragons in Aden are considerably different than vanilla 5e dragons. Choose whichever suits your build the best.

Bacon: Variant class features for the most part are fine, just tell me what you want and I'll take a peek to see if it fits in with the story world.

 ooc: OK..fine :).  I went with Archfey for Raia.  Also, I used the variant origin features to move his +1 INT racial bonus to CHA and to change his other languages, so he now speaks Draconic and Dwarven, which seemed more approriate.  Please let me know if that's all OK.

Quote from BaconExpert982 >>

Kallista shrugs at the praise, "I was just helping," she says, digging through her rock bag. "Just like you guys."

Aelar studies Kallista, wishing he had some way to get her to understand just how wonderful she was.  In the end, though, all he can is give her his love and hope she figures it out herself.  "Well, I think you did a little more than the rest of us, sister, and I'm proud of you."

Turning to Raia, he says, "That sounds risky.  What if you're recognized?  That leader person got a good look at you.  I know you can change your shape but they've got magic too."

Did you speak to that other...dragon. The ancient one that spoke to me?

Quote from LorrdWolf >>

 ooc: OK..fine :).  I went with Archfey for Raia.  Also, I used the variant origin features to move his +1 INT racial bonus to CHA and to change his other languages, so he now speaks Draconic and Dwarven, which seemed more approriate.  Please let me know if that's all OK.

 ((That's good! It's both appropriate and will come in handy in this adventure.))

((Meanwhile, i be over here deciding between ranger or druid XD))

Lazlo answers Hyre "I don't know why they want to get in there, Hyre."  Lazlo sighs. "They asked me to get them in - so here I am trying to do that. They've lived here longer than us so I'm just going on the hunch that they know their own business." Lazlo  shrugs then downs his pint. Turning  towards Kallista, and speaking quietly so as to not draw any undue attention. "What's up with the bag of stones, Kal? My birthstone is the Apricot Sinaxite. Have one of those in your collection?"  

((Bacon-multiclass ranger/druid? I've never played a druid but I have a ranger that is a lot of fun))

"I don't think so," Kallista slips the bag off the table and tucks it back in her pocket. "You don't have to be nice to me you know... I saw how you all reacted on the Kite."

((OOC: Just one last question... hopefully. Am i going to lose my proficiency in medicine since I can't pick it up as a ranger skill?))

((Edit: My plan is to take Deft Explorer instead of Favored Terrain (I stopped liking Favored Foe when it required concentration when published XD) Primal Awareness instead of Primeval Awareness when we hit level 3, and then Nature's Veil instead of Hide in Plain Sight if we reach level 10))

“Well… it’s easy for me to speak politely to you. That is the standard for my interaction with other people. Haven’t you noticed? Would you prefer I was impolite? Or maybe just not speak to you? I thought this downtime would be a good time for some RP… but… I’m good with whatever.” Lazlo orders another pint, then leaves the table with it. He’ll spend the rest of the night with the other Satyrs.

((Sorry Lazlo... I didn't mean to cause that.))

Kallista flinches at Lazlo's words, but squeaks out a tiny "Sorry," as he leaves.

Lazlo grunts Roy Kent style as he leaves, wishing his friend would stop squeaking and find a voice. “Night all- I’m off.”