Hendrix ruffles his feathers a bit. "A pleasure to meet all of you." 

"Same!" Ambre holds out a hand to shake. "What are you planning on studying?"

"Yes, you have some catching up to do I think...Hendrix was it? Please tell me you have other interests than books." Aelyn says pleadingly while obviously joking.

"I think Aelyn is hoping to converse about something other than study habits." Aithne directed a smile to the books in her hold and stifled a laugh. She'd have to think of some conversation options that weren't directly related to her books. How novel to think that she'd need to worry about that at all.

"Now whatever gave you that idea my dear Aithne." Aelyn chuckles. "But to be clear, I don't mind studies, after all that is what I'm here for, I'm just more of a spoken words person I guess, although I can see the Biblioplex is a heavenly place, most fitting for an angel such as you." He says smiling.

Arvol eyes Aelyn a moment, but replies once Aithne agrees to help Aelyn learn Prinordial as well. "Of course you can join us Aelyn! The more the merrier! Did you wish to learn Elvish as well?" 

He then turns to Aithne. "I'm afraid I have no notes from when I learned Elvish. It was quite some time ago. My mother taught me." 

As Hendrix arrives,  Arvol cheers him. "Yay! Our final member is here!" Once landed, he greets him properly. "I'm Arvol Flintwind. Great to meet you!"

He then looks to Professor Sharpbeak. "Yes, time to get going with our orientation now?"

As Aelyn makes his comment calling Aithne 'an angel' he rolls his eyes heavily.  He clearly didn't mean for anyone to see it, but it was rather obvious.  

"Aasimar, not angel." Aithne offered the correction immediately. "Though I can understand the confusion. After all, the genealogy is quite similar. But, I assure you, the genetic evolution that has taken place since the separation of our ancestors is extremely complex."

"Professor Denros Steelbane has a fascinating series of texts on the subject and discusses the loss of flight for the majority of the aasimar peoples. It's really quite..." She trailed off and cleared her throat. "Oh. Ah, perhaps that's something to discuss at another time..."

Sharpbeak lets out a sigh of relief. "Mister Korebole, at last! I am sorry to hear about the funeral; my condolences to you and yours. But now you have arrived, which means the orientation activities can commence," she says, giving all of you (mostly Ambre) a moment to gather up your things. "Without any further ado, let's be off!"

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 grilled halloumi with morels on wheat."

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! Miss Dresar, I advise you leave your many books with the workers at this desk and pick them up again once orientation is complete. You just may need your hands free!"

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 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.

Arvol quickly nudges Aithne as they prepare to head off. He speaks to her in a pirated voice.  "I'd love to hear all about Professor Steelbane's book on aasimar genealogy some time if we had a chance."

He then quickly follows Professor Sharpbeak into the Biblioplex.  He looks with awe at everything.  But most especially what seems endless rows of bookshelves - or more precisely the books on them.  

As they passed the Student Activities Center, he says, "Ah, we should chrck that out."  But as the Professor moves on, Arvol buries after.

The Hall of Oracles he finds truly amazing.  He watches, almost mesmerized by the whisps of energy revolving about.  It takes him a moment to focus back to the parchment appearing before the group.

As he reads the first, he yells out, "Hey! That's got to be the energy pool freon the snarl thing, right?"

Arvol quickly moves to the pool, putting his hand in it. "The professor did say we could touch it."

Arvol's hand meets the shimmering pool, a shocking sensation runs up the nerves in his arm and spreads all throughout his being in less than a second. He mentally loses track of his body, overwhelmed by the snarl's power. It does not hurt, but it is rather disorienting. His hand snaps back away from the pool... but there is something in it when he pulls away. In Arvol's grasp is a small vial filled with red liquid - something he recognizes as a potion of healing. 

Arvol takes a moment to collect himself, looking at his hand and the vial it now holds.  He turns slowly back towards the others. "Well, you think that was right for Clue 1?  More of a shock than a light!"  

As the rest of you look at the pool of energy beneath the snarl, you feel a subtle tug. Almost like it is calling out to you to reach in as well.

While Aithne had been in the Biblioplex before, she'd been immediately entranced by the endless shelves of books and scrolls that dominated the central complex. She'd gotten lost amongst the archives of knowledge and had completely ignored the rest of the building's wonders. Therefore, Professor Sharpbeak's tour was completely new to her. She took in the sights with a kind of breathless awe. Of course, that was interrupted by their arrival at the Information Desk.

Aithne flushed at Professor Sharpbeak's suggestion, her cheeks going red as she acknowledged that the owlin mentor's suggestion was probably a good one. She could always return for her selections once orientation was complete. Handing her stack of books off to one of the assistants behind the desk, she accepted a marker in return;  a token that she could return with later and exchange for her selected volumes. With her hands free, Aithne pulled her robe back over her head, knocking her glasses askew all over again.

She hurried to catch up to the rest of the group, straightening her lenses and ignoring the tangled state of her hair. She could always brush it out once they returned to the dormitories. As the clues appeared in front of her, she held out her hands, allowing the sheet to settle into her palms. She read over the clues once, twice, then again, contemplating the clues, more interested in solving the riddles than in seeking out the promised rewards.

"Huh, interesting," Ambre approches the pool and reaches in.

"Huh, this must be one of the prizes," Arvol muses.  With a quick motion of his hand, he causes the vial to disappear into his coat, tucking it away in a pocket. (Sleight of Hand: 19)

Ambre experiences the same sensation as she touches the pool of energy. She pulls her hand back, and within her grasp is another potion of healing.

Aelyn too is impressed with the biblioplex, but he seems more interested in the lovely students milling around, like a treasure trove of beauty he thought, rivalling the courts of the Feywild. He nodded and smiled at Arvol as they passed the Student Activities Center. His didn't quite pay attention to everything Professor Sharpbeak said but the clues piqued his interest for a while but then his attention turned to Aithne's tangled stark black hair and he couldn't resist gently moving it, just to help her see the clues. He watches as Arvol quickly puts his hand into the shimmering pool and pulls out a small vial filled with red liquid. A real daredevil that one, Aelyn liked him already, they would likely have a lot of fun together at Strixhaven. After Ambre too gets a vial out of the shimmering pool Aelyn follows suit and reaches into the pool.

Aithne's attention is drawn from the riddles by Aelyn's unexpected assistance with her hair. "Thank you." She absently murmured as he walked away to dip his fingertips into the pool. She shoved the mass of tangled locks over her shoulders, tucking the most disobedient strands behind one ear in an effort to tame them, at least a bit. Her mother had always said her hair was lovely, but in Aithne's assessment, it was an annoyance. Perhaps with her first payment from her new position in the Biblioplex, she could finally have something done with it. Until then...

"Snarl, Cafe, Gallery, Garden, Theatre. Surely?" Her glasses have been removed from her face and Aithne nibbled lightly at the tip of one arm piece. She was no longer reading and re-reading the riddles, but appeared to be reciting them from memory, her lips moving soundlessly as she considered the clues and their possible meanings. She drifted over toward her classmates as she contemplated, still thinking. Clearly the first answer was correct, since they appeared to have found the prize they were meant to collect. Her glasses dangling precariously from her mouth and the riddle-sheet held in the opposite hand, Aithne also dipped her hand into the Snarl.  

"Wait I think I feel something, could it be my prize?" Aelyn exclaims, briefly touching Aithne's hand in the shimmering pool, giving her a quick smile and a wink before continuing his search.