"Hi, I'm Arvol Flintwind."  He stands there with nervous excitement, unconsciously pushing himself up onto the balls of his feet. "This the sign up for the Dragonsgaurd Historical Society?  I'd really like to join.  In fact, this might be the thing I've been looking forward to most here at Strixhaven. I just love history."  

Mina laughs and waves her hand. "I'm just messing with you, Prince Charming. The Firejolt Cafe is the best coffee spot on campus; no offense to Aisla in the Biblioplex Cafe, of course. You should definitely check it out. Ellina is always happy to see new first years under her roof. As for tomorrow morning, I'll just meet you there. I have to work starting at 10:00 tomorrow anyways. Sound good?"

 Drazhomir smiles once it becomes clear that Aithne is also just as interested. "Oh, yes, they were wonderful poets. Most historians only focus on their martial prowess... But their art is often under-appreciated. The warrior-poets were as skilled with words as they were with their blades. Morimm Kazdragal, Naiyaka Dorentesh, Yashara Torzregg... each one was an artist of great skill! Alas, only a few of the original manuscripts are left. I've been working with the librarians on transcribing them into a larger collection," He says, indicating the book he is holding. "The characters are a little complicated, but I think I'm starting to get the hang of it. Indeed, magical translation would cause these works to lose their artistic punch. The figurative and artistic meanings of the poets' words would be forced into the crude mold of literal translation. But that's why the Dead Languages Society exists! To ensure that these tongues, though no longer spoken in common parlance, live on through our efforts. It's a bit like less-scary necromancy, you could say!"

He chuckles, then frowns. "Um, you're not a Witherbloom student are you? Or a prospective one? I didn't, you know, mean to suggest necromancy is bad, it just, uh, kinda creeps me out a bit, that's all, really... Um, anyway, joining the Society, right? Um, just sign... right... here... and then, uh, we have a meeting next week at 5:30 here in the Biblioplex, so... please come to that."

 As Ambre begins wandering around, she spots the elf that was running the Society of Fine Artists' table on his way out of the gallery. Cadoras' green eyes drift to her and he makes his way over with a smile and a wave. "Hey, Ambre! Heard that you and your pals took down that raging costume trunk after it ate up the LARP Guild's supplies for Beholders vs Behirs. Good on you guys for that! You know, I was just on my way over to help them salvage what was left and work on some new papier-mache eyestalks and lizard legs. You down to come with? I could certainly use the help of a fellow artist. Plus... I'll..." He thinks for a moment. "I dunno, buy you coffee or something as an extra bribe. I mean, incentive. You in?"

 The loxodon at the table smiles up at Arvol. "Ah, welcome, Mr. Flintwind! Yes, this is where we are accepting new recruits for the Society! I am Rampart Sooviij, first year. Pleased to meet you, and on behalf of the Society, I thank you for your enthusiasm! Just sign your name here, sir, and then please be sure to attend next week's meeting. 6:00, sharp, right here in the Biblioplex! We will be discussing which historical subjects we will be focusing on for the next few months, so do come with a few topics in mind as suggestions. If you are not fully familiar with the history of Arcavios, I suggest you do a bit of reading to prepare yourself. I'd recommend A Brief History of the Plane of Arcavios by Erikos Syron." 

"Oh, thanks but I dont need coffee," Ambre follows. "I like making things. So you do LARPing?"

Arvol nods. "Six sharp. And Erikos Syron," he repeats. "I am just starting to learn a bit about Arcavios, so I've got a bit of work to do. Mostly I read up on the history of Strixhaven and the founder dragons.

"Oh wonderful! I am very excited to be a part of this club. I look forward to learning all about the pendrake root!" Klok feverishly signs his name to the sheet and heads back to find the others

Aithne listened eagerly, seeming to absorb Drazhomir's words like a desert accepting water. She was partially leaning over the table, propping herself on her stack of books as she listened attentively. Only when the minotaur called her attention to the sign up sheet did she fully settle back onto the soles of her feet. "Oh, no, I don't think I'd have the skills to succeed in Witherbloom. I'm a Lorehold student." Accepting the quill, Aithne carefully scribed her name, adding a series of delicate lines and curls to accent her script. It was one of the few things she felt truly confident in. She knew that her penmanship was exceptional. "I'm hoping to eventually become a, um, Conservator. I'm particularly interested in spellcraft and the historical record of magical development." 

Having completed the sign up, Aithne returned the quill and collected her books once again, removing them from the table. "Thank you, Drazhomir. I'll look forward to the first meeting next week. And I'm certain I'll see you again in the Biblioplex. Maybe we can discuss more about the Kathorran when I see you next? Ah, if you wanted, that is. I'd love to learn more about their written language." Settling the books securely in her arms, Aithne made a mental note to check the Biblioplex's archives for related texts on the Kathorran. It was just one more thing to add to the endless list of fascinating topics she was constantly expanding on.

Having completed her tasks and with orientation finished, Aithne assumed she was allowed to return to her dormitory and curl up with one of the books she'd selected. If she forfeited a few hours of sleep, she could probably finish at least two of the texts before her first class the following morning. Of course, she needed to leave time to dress and do something with her unruly hair. It had truly been a challenge to manage today and she was reluctant to encourage more of the same. Maybe one and a half tomes, she silently compromised, heading toward the exit of the Student Center.

"I would have enjoyed walking you there Mina, but we can certainly meet at the Cafe if that would suit you better." Aelyns says with a shrug. "Perhaps a walk afterwards then, I could really use some help with finding the secret spots of entertainment, joy and pleasure around here." Aelyn says, smiling calmly and confidently. "And I'll be sure to visit your Cafe when we're ready here, I'm curious of what kind of place would have caught your interest Mina." He says with another playful wink before trying to find the others.

Seeing Aithne disappear with a stack of books again he realizes he has nothing that could convince her to not do some reading now as she already spent over an hour not reading a single book. Aelyn instead quickly checks with Ambre, Klok and Arvol if any of them would join him at the Firejolt Cafe for a while before taking care of more boring stuff, like finding quarters, literature and such.

Seeing the others still occupied with other, most likely more interesting people, Aelyn turns to his trusty lute and starts playing a few chords, sitting himself down at the Mina's desk.
After a few moments trying out some chords for a new song he starts singing softly, slightly turned to Mina, hoping to get her attention with his improvised sing-song writing creation.

"First day at school,
looking for a friendly face,
feeling like a kind of a fool,
do I belong in this place
but there she was...

Met a kind little group,
went on a scavenger hunt
but this really smart troupe
made me feel like a grunt
and there she was....

My new school mates
I saw them all disappear
towards greater fates
will I feel welcome here
but there she was...

"Perfect, saves me a copper then!" Cadoras smiles. "And yep, I am a proud member of the LARP Guild. Some of the other students think we're a little weird, but... well, they're right! We are a little odd. But everybody is, if you think about it. So, yeah, I've been LARPing for a few years now. Three or four, I think? My friends from secondary school got me into it. It's a hoot, really! The folks here are pretty nice as well. A lot of the club's members has graduated and moved on since last year, but there've been quite a few first years signing up to bolster the ranks."

The elf leads you to the West Stacks study area where you fought the trunk. Some Campus Security mages are securing the scene, but are allowing the members of the LARP Guild to salvage their materials and relocate to another location within the Biblioplex. The effort are being led by the perky young gnomish woman you saw before, who lights up when she spots Cadoras. "Hey! Cad! You finally done recruiting for the Society, you traitor?"

"A traitor? Me? How dare you, Rosie!" He responds melodramatically. "But, yes, Nora Ann came to tag me out, so now I'm ready to help. Also, I brought a friend! Everyone, meet Ambre Rotz. She offered to help us salvage our supplies-"

"Oh! It's you! Oh my goodness! You and your friends beat up that trunk!" Rosie the gnome chirps, clapping her hands. "It was so cool, that trunk was like 'grrrrr I'm gonna eat you Rosie' and then you guys were all 'wham, bam, turkey and ham, Sam!' And then the trunk went all like 'Bleeeeeehhhhh I'm dead and also a normal trunk now bleeeeehhh...' So awesome!"

"I think she likes you," Cadoras murmurs to Ambre with a chuckle. "This is Rosimyffenbip Wuzfeddlims."

"Call me Rosie!"

 Rampart fiddles with one of the gold caps on his tusks. "Ah, yes, the Founders! We named ourselves after their chosen bodyguards, you know. But yes, the Founders' efforts to bring an end to the chaos of the Blood Age and usher in a new age of magical enlightenment through the creation of Strixhaven... truly inspiring. I think you'll find that book I recommended useful to you!"

 "Thank you for your interest, Klok. I'll be sure to look for you at the meeting! Good luck with your classes," Urzmaktok calls after Klok.

 "That sounds, um,  wonderful, Aithne. I'd love to show you more! I'm, ah, sure we'll see each other again... You know, at work or around or... yeah, anyways, take care!" Drazhomir says, giving a friendly wave before returning back to his reading.

 Mina looks surprised by Aelyn's song at first, but this gives way to a neutral smile. "Well... that was a bolt out of the blue. 'Subtlety' isn't really a word in your vocabulary, is it?" She chuckles, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Well, at least you're honest. I hope you write for the paper as skillfully as you write ballads, Silversong. You might just become a proper renaissance man!"

A few people in the vicinity of the Strixhaven Star's table have stopped and stared at Aelyn, a bit dumbfounded by the whole scene. Mina looks at them all and clears her throat, then they come to their senses and move along. 

"Well, thank you Rampart.  I should be able to get a copy of that book in the library here, right?" Arvol glances back out of the room they're in towards the stacks of books.  "I really look forward to reading the book and our first meeting!  Hopefully I'll understand a bit better to be able to suggest topics by then." He starts to turn to leave, then pauses, turning back. "Oh... was I supposed to sign up or something? I think I forgot about that part!" He gives the loxodon a grin. "Too caught up thinking about the reading, I think!" 

"Completely understandable," Rampart responds with a nod. "Just sign here, my friend. If you cannot find the book, let me know. I can track down a copy for you."

"That would be great, but I'm sure I can find it." Arvol says as he quickly signs his name for the Historical Society. "I will see you next week!" he says, as he turns to head away from the table.  

Having finished he looks around.  Aithne he of course saw head out with her books.  Ambre seems to have gone as well.  Aelyn, well, he of course heard the song he sang - who didn't!  And he's still chatting with the silver-haired woman with the Strixhaven Star.  So, he decides to just head out and make for the information desk. Once there he says, "I was looking for a particular book. How would I go about tracking that down?  I mean, there are just so many!" 

"Nice to meet you Rosie," Ambre shakes her hand. "Where can I help?"

"Subtlety...subtlety....no, never heard of it I'm afraid." Aelyn says with a playful smile, quickly turning and making a mock bow at his gawking audience. He then leans in slightly to Mina. "I apologize again if my song in any way made you feel uncomfortable Mina, that was not my intention. I felt inspired so I sang. Judging by the reactions I clearly have much to learn about how to behave here in Strixhaven I'm afraid." He says in a more serious tone. "I promise I will behave tomorrow." He adds, giving her a warm smile.

Aithne hadn't quite made it back to her dormitory before succumbing to her curiosity. Instead, she'd exited the Biblioplex and had made it most of the way across the grounds of the Archway Commons before coming upon a particularly appealing bench. It was slightly out of the way and nestled against the base of a tree. The branches drooped nearly to the ground, enclosing the space in a curtain of greenery. She'd resisted briefly before the lure of one of her books became too much. She'd settled onto the bench in a cross-legged position; her stack of books perched neatly on the bench next to her. At the moment, she was reading through 'The Core Values of Religious Worship in Drow Society' and seemed deeply engrossed.

The speed at which she turned pages seemed unnaturally quick and her gaze darting across the text with rapid movements. Learning to read at a quickened pace was something that had been born of necessity rather than preference. Since she'd mastered basic translation spells, she'd expanded her collection of books to encompass a variety of alternate language texts. But even with the magical aid, she could only hold concentration on the spell long enough to allow for an hour of improved comprehension. Once the spell broke, she was forced to recast the incantation (a lengthy process), so absorbing as much information as she could in the time allotted had become second nature.    

Klok walks back to the main room and sees his new friends all busy talking with the various clubs. He decides to wait for them. He sits down and journals about the trunk. 

The reference librarian, a dwarf male with a mop of curly black hair and a well-trimmed beard, gives Arvol a friendly smile. "Hello, young man! If you tell me the title of the book you're looking for, I can have one of our cogwork archivists retrieve it for you. So, what book are you looking to get your hands on?" 

Mina shrugs. "Don't worry about it, Prince Charming. I'll show you the ropes! So - meet you tomorrow, right?"

"Well," Rosie begins, taking Ambre by the arm and guiding her to the new Beholders vs Behirs construction spot, "We're making mask-slash-helmet thingies for the two teams to wear, plus a mascot for each team: Beholders and Behirs, ya know? We've got plenty of paper and glue, it's just a matter of fashioning them into the proper stuff. A few of the ones we made survived the whole 'trunk funk' from earlier, but try and make 'em look like this!"

She holds up a dried-out papier-mache headpiece that looks reminiscent of a sphere with several eyestalks attached. It's beholder-ish enough, Ambre supposes. "Once the glue dries, we can paint them, too. Are you listening, Cadoras? You're helping too!"

"Oh, sorry! I'm listening."

"Great, good, great. With the help of Ambre and Cadoras, I think we can get this all done in time! Let's crack to it, fellow LARPers! And Ambre!"

"I am looking for A Brief History of the Plane of Arcavios.  It is by Erikos Syron." Arvol replies to the dwarven reference librarian. "And thank you for the help.  Should I have just dealt with the cogwork archivist myself? Figure as a student I'll have to start learning these things." 

"Absolutely Mina, looking forward to that, although tomorrow seems so far away right now." Aelyn says and gives her another warm smile while taking a copy of the Star with him, then trying to find his friends again, asking them along to the Firejolt Cafe.

Klok waits around for his friends but sees they’re busy and decides to go find a job with the magic lab